Method of producing mechanism for converting rotational motion to linear motion and jig for executing the method

ABSTRACT

In this manufacturing method, when a plurality of planetary shaft main bodies are arranged at even intervals around a sun shaft main body, a state in which a sun threaded section is engaged with each of planetary threaded sections is referred to as a regular assembled state, and an assembly formed by a combination of the sun shaft main body and the planetary shaft main body in the regular assembled state is referred to as a first assembly. The first assembly is assembled in a state in which the relationship of the planetary shaft main body and the sun shaft main body is in correspondence with the relationship of the planetary shaft main body and the sun shaft main body in the regular assembled state.

This is a Division of application Ser. No. 13/464,382, filed May 4,2012, which in turn is a Division of Ser. No. 12/308,472 filed Feb. 25,2009, which is a National Phase of Application No. PCT/JP2007/062611filed Jun. 22, 2007, which claims benefit of Japanese Patent ApplicationNos. 2006-173194 filed Jun. 22, 2006 and 2007-113051 filed Apr. 23,2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a rotationalrectilinear motion conversion mechanism, which converts rotationalmotion to rectilinear motion, and a jig used for the manufacturing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Patent document 1 describes an example of a conversion mechanism that isknown as a rotational rectilinear motion conversion mechanism.

The conversion mechanism is provided with an annular shaft having aninternal opening extending in the axial direction, a sun shaft arrangedin the annular shaft and a plurality of planetary shafts arranged aroundthe sun shaft. Further, an internally threaded section of the annularshaft is engaged with an externally threaded section of the sun shaftand an externally threaded section of the planetary shaft. Further, aninternal gear of the annular shaft and an external gear of eachplanetary shaft are engaged with each other. In a conversion mechanismhaving such a structure, when the annular shaft rotates, the forcetransmitted from the annular shaft generates planetary motion of theplanetary shafts around the sun shaft and linearly moves the sun shaft.In other words, rotational motion of the annular shaft can be convertedto linear motion of the sun shaft.

In this case, threaded portions in the conversion mechanism are engagedat a plurality of locations. This causes the problems described nextwhen manufacturing the conversion mechanism. When just joining theconstituting elements (for example, a sun shaft and a planetary shaft)that include the threaded sections, if the threaded sections are notproperly engaged with each other, it becomes difficult to join theconstituent elements through just one joining operation. Accordingly,since the joining operation must be frequently carried out while findingthe position or rotational phase at which the threaded sections of theconstituent elements become engaged with each other, the assemblyefficiency becomes low. Especially, when a gear is formed on theplanetary shaft of the conversion mechanism as in patent document 1, theconstituent elements must be joined while also engaging the gears. Thisfurther decreases the assembly efficiency.

Further, in a conversion mechanism that includes two gears for each ofthe annular shaft and planetary shaft, in which the corresponding gearsare engaged with each other, and at least one of the two gears of theannular shaft is formed independently from a main body of the annularshaft, such as in the conversion mechanism of patent document 1, theproblems described next occur. Since at least one of the two gears isformed independently from the annular shaft main body, the annular shaftmay be assembled in a state in which the rotational phase of one gearrelative to the other gear is greatly displaced. Further, when the gearof the annular shaft and the gear of the planetary shaft are engagedwith each other in a state that greatly differs from the designedengaged state, the sliding resistance between the annular shaft and theplanetary shaft may increase. This may lower the conversion efficiencyof work from the rotational motion to the rectilinear motion. Such aproblem also occurs when two gears are provided for each of the sunshaft and planetary shaft, and at least one of the two gears of the sunshaft is formed independently from a main body of the sun shaft.

-   Patent Document 1: International Patent Publication WO2004/094870

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a first object of the present invention to provide a method formanufacturing a rotational rectilinear motion conversion mechanism and ajig used for such manufacturing that improves assembly efficiency.

It is a second object of the present invention to provide a method formanufacturing a rotational rectilinear motion conversion mechanism and ajig used for such manufacturing that improve the conversion efficiencyof work.

To achieve the above objects, a first aspect of the present inventionprovides a method for manufacturing a rotational rectilinear motionconversion mechanism provided with an annular shaft through which anopening extends in an axial direction. A sun shaft is arranged in theannular shaft. A plurality of planetary shafts are arranged around thesun shaft. The annular shaft includes an annular shaft main body havingan annular threaded section defined by an internally threaded section.The sun shaft includes a sun shaft main body having a sun threadedsection defined by an externally threaded section. The planetary shaftseach include a planetary shaft main body having a planetary threadedsection defined by an externally threaded section. The planetarythreaded section is engaged with the annular threaded section and thesun threaded section. Rotational motion of either one of the annularshaft and the sun shaft is converted into rectilinear motion of theother one of the annular shaft and the sun shaft along an axialdirection by a planetary motion of the planetary shaft. The methodincludes the steps of corresponding the relationship of the planetaryshaft main bodies relative to the sun shaft main body in arrangement tothe relationship in a regular assembled state of the planetary shaftmain bodies relative to the sun shaft main body, with the regularassembled state being defined by a state in which the sun threadedsection and the planetary threaded sections are engaged with each otherin a state in which the planetary shaft main bodies are arranged at evenintervals around the sun shaft main body; and assembling a basicassembly by moving each of the planetary shaft main bodies aftercorresponding the relationship of the planetary shaft main bodiesrelative to the sun shaft main body to the relationship in the regularassembled state, the basic assembly being an assembly formed by acombination of the sun shaft main body and the planetary shaft mainbodies in the regular assembled state.

To achieve the above objects, a second aspect of the present inventionprovides a method for manufacturing a rotational rectilinear motionconversion mechanism provided with an annular shaft through which anopening extends in an axial direction. A sun shaft is arranged in theannular shaft. A plurality of planetary shafts are arranged around thesun shaft. The annular shaft includes an annular shaft main body havingan annular threaded section defined by an internally threaded section.The sun shaft includes a sun shaft main body having a sun threadedsection defined by an externally threaded section. The planetary shaftseach include a planetary shaft main body having a planetary threadedsection defined by an externally threaded section. The planetarythreaded section is engaged with the annular threaded section and thesun threaded section. Rotational motion of either one of the annularshaft and the sun shaft is converted into rectilinear motion of theother one of the annular shaft and the sun shaft along an axialdirection by a planetary motion of the planetary shaft. The methodincludes the steps of assembling a basic assembly by combining the sunshaft main body with the planetary shaft main bodies; assembling anaxial assembly by combining the basic assembly with the annular shaftmain body; and setting a rotational phase of the annular threadedsection as an annular threaded section reference phase before assemblingthe axial assembly, in which when one threaded section formed by aportion of the planetary threaded section engaged with the annularthreaded section is defined as a counter annular threaded section, andthe annular threaded section reference phase is defined as a rotationalphase of the annular threaded section relative to a rotational phase ofthe counter annular threaded section at a time when the counter annularthreaded section begins to engage with the annular threaded section.

To achieve the above objects, a third aspect of the present inventionprovides a method for manufacturing a rotational rectilinear motionconversion mechanism provided with an annular shaft through which anopening extends in an axial direction. A sun shaft is arranged in theannular shaft. A plurality of planetary shafts are arranged around thesun shaft. The annular shaft includes an annular shaft main body havingan annular threaded section defined by an internally threaded section,the sun shaft includes a sun shaft main body having a sun threadedsection defined by an externally threaded section. The planetary shaftseach include a planetary shaft main body having a planetary threadedsection defined by an externally threaded section. The planetarythreaded section is engaged with the annular threaded section and thesun threaded section. Rotational motion of either one of the annularshaft and the sun shaft is converted into rectilinear motion of theother one of the annular shaft and the sun shaft along an axialdirection by a planetary motion of the planetary shaft. The methodincludes the steps of corresponding the relationship of the planetaryshaft main bodies relative to the annular shaft main body to therelationship in a regular assembled state, with the regular assembledstate being defined by a state in which the annular threaded section andthe planetary threaded sections are engaged with each other in a statein which the planetary shaft main bodies are arranged at even intervalsabout a center line of the annular shaft main body; and assembling abasic assembly in a state in which the relationship of the planetaryshaft main bodies relative to the annular shaft main body is incorrespondence with the relationship in the regular assembled state, thebasic assembly being an assembly formed by a combination of the annularshaft main body and the planetary shaft main bodies in the regularassembled state.

To achieve the above objects, a fourth aspect of the present inventionprovides a method for manufacturing a rotational rectilinear motionconversion mechanism provided with an annular shaft through which anopening extends in an axial direction. A sun shaft is arranged in theannular shaft. A plurality of planetary shafts are arranged around thesun shaft. The annular shaft includes an annular shaft main body havingan annular threaded section defined by an internally threaded section.The sun shaft includes a sun shaft main body having a sun threadedsection defined by an externally threaded section. The planetary shaftseach include a planetary shaft main body having a planetary threadedsection defined by an externally threaded section. The planetarythreaded section is engaged with the annular threaded section and thesun threaded section. Rotational motion of either one of the annularshaft and the sun shaft is converted into rectilinear motion of theother one of the annular shaft and the sun shaft along an axialdirection by a planetary motion of the planetary shaft. The methodincludes the steps of assembling a basic assembly by combining the sunshaft main body with the planetary shaft main bodies; assembling anaxial assembly by combining the basic assembly with the sun shaft mainbody; and setting a rotational phase of the sun threaded section as asun threaded section reference phase before assembling the axialassembly, wherein when one threaded section formed by a portion of theplanetary threaded section engaged with the sun threaded section is setas a counter sun threaded section, the sun threaded section referencephase is defined as a rotational phase of the sun threaded sectionrelative to a rotational phase of the counter sun threaded section at atime when the counter sun threaded section begins to engage with the sunthreaded section.

To achieve the above objects, a fifth aspect of the present inventionprovides a method for manufacturing a rotational rectilinear motionconversion mechanism provided with an annular shaft through which anopening extends in an axial direction. A sun shaft is arranged in theannular shaft. A plurality of planetary shafts are arranged around thesun shaft. The annular shaft includes an annular shaft main body havingan annular threaded section formed as an internally threaded section andan annular gear formed as an internal gear. The sun shaft includes a sunshaft main body having a sun threaded section formed as an externallythreaded section and a sun gear formed as an external gear. Theplanetary shafts each include a planetary shaft main body having aplanetary threaded section formed as an externally threaded section anda planetary gear formed as an external gear. The annular gear is formedseparately from the annular shaft main body. The sun gear is formedseparately from the sun shaft main body. The planetary gear is formedseparately from the planetary shaft main body. The planetary threadedsection is engaged with the annular threaded section and the sunthreaded section. The planetary gear engages with the annular gear andthe sun gear. Rotational motion of either one of the annular shaft andthe sun shaft is converted into rectilinear motion of the other one ofthe annular shaft and the sun shaft along an axial direction by aplanetary motion of the planetary shaft. The method includes the stepsof preparing a gear jig having a counter annular gear for engaging withthe annular gear and a counter sun gear for engaging with the sun gear;assembling a gear assembly by attaching the annular gear, the sun gear,and the planetary gear to the gear jig, with the gear assembly being anassembly formed by a combination of the annular gear, the sun gear, andthe planetary gear in a reference assembled state, and the referenceassembled state being a state in which each of the planetary gears isengaged with the annular gear and the sun gear with the planetary gearsarranged at even intervals around the sun gear; and assembling a gearedassembly by combining the annular shaft main body, the sun shaft mainbody, the planetary shaft main body and the gear assembly.

To achieve the above objects, a sixth aspect of the present inventionprovides a method for manufacturing a rotational rectilinear motionconversion mechanism provided with an annular shaft through which anopening extends in an axial direction. A sun shaft is arranged in theannular shaft. A plurality of planetary shafts are arranged around thesun shaft. Rotational motion of either one of the annular shaft and thesun shaft is converted into rectilinear motion of the other one of theannular shaft and the sun shaft along an axial direction by a planetarymotion of the planetary shaft. The method includes the steps of formingan indicator in the annular shaft; and forming an internally threadedsection in the annular shaft based on the indicator.

To achieve the above objects, a seventh aspect of the present inventionprovides a method for manufacturing a rotational rectilinear motionconversion mechanism provided with an annular shaft through which anopening extends in an axial direction. A sun shaft is arranged in theannular shaft. A plurality of planetary shafts are arranged around thesun shaft. Rotational motion of either one of the annular shaft and thesun shaft is converted into rectilinear motion of the other one of theannular shaft and the sun shaft along an axial direction by a planetarymotion of the planetary shaft. The method includes the steps of formingan indicator in the sun shaft; and forming an externally threadedsection on the sun shaft based on the indicator.

To achieve the above objects, an eighth aspect of the present inventionprovides a method for manufacturing a rotational rectilinear motionconversion mechanism provided with an annular shaft through which anopening extends in an axial direction. A sun shaft is arranged in theannular shaft. A plurality of planetary shafts are arranged around thesun shaft. Rotational motion of either one of the annular shaft and thesun shaft is converted into rectilinear motion of the other one of theannular shaft and the sun shaft along an axial direction by a planetarymotion of the planetary shaft. The method includes the steps of formingan indicator in the planetary shaft; and forming an externally threadedsection on the planetary shaft based on the indicator.

To achieve the above objects, a ninth aspect of the present inventionprovides a jig used for manufacturing a rotational rectilinear motionconversion mechanism provided with an annular shaft through which anopening extends in an axial direction. A sun shaft is arranged in theannular shaft. A plurality of planetary shafts are arranged around thesun shaft. The annular shaft includes an annular shaft main body havingan internally threaded section and an annular gear of internal teeth.The sun shaft includes a sun shaft main body having an externallythreaded section and a sun gear of external teeth. The planetary shaftseach include a planetary shaft main body having an externally threadedsection and a planetary gear of external teeth. The annular gear isformed separately from the annular shaft main body. The sun gear isformed separately from the sun shaft main body. The planetary gear isformed separately from the planetary shaft main body. The externallythreaded section of the planetary shaft main body is engaged with theinternally threaded section of the annular shaft main body and theexternally threaded section of the sun shaft main body. The planetarygear is engaged with the annular gear and the sun gear. Rotationalmotion of either one of the annular shaft and the sun shaft is convertedinto rectilinear motion of the other one of the annular shaft and thesun shaft along an axial direction by a planetary motion of theplanetary shaft. The manufacturing of the conversion mechanism includesthe step of assembling a gear assembly. The gear assembly is an assemblyformed by a combination of the annular gear, the sun gear and theplanetary gear in a basic assembled state. The basic assembled state isa state in which each of the planetary gears is engaged with the annulargear and the sun gear with the planetary gears being arranged at evenintervals around the sun gear. The jig includes a plurality of supportcolumns arranged at even intervals in a circumferential direction with agap formed between adjacent ones of the support columns for arrangementof one of the planetary gears. Counter annular external teeth are formedon an outer circumference of each of the support columns for engagingwith the annular gear, in which the counter annular external teeth formsthe counter annular gear as a whole. Counter sun internal teeth areformed in an inner circumference of each of the support columns forengaging with the sun gear. The counter sun internal teeth forms thecounter sun gear as a whole.

To achieve the above objects, a tenth aspect of the present inventionprovides a method for manufacturing a rotational rectilinear motionconversion mechanism provided with an annular shaft in which an openingis formed. A sun shaft is arranged in the opening of the annular shaft.A planetary shaft is arranged near the sun shaft in the opening of theannular shaft. The sun shaft includes a sun shaft main body, a first sungear which is an external gear formed integrally with the sun shaft mainbody, and a second sun gear which is an external gear formed separatelyfrom the sun shaft main body. The planetary shaft includes a firstplanetary gear which is an external gear engaged with the first sun gearand a second planetary gear which is an external gear engaged with thesecond sun gear. Rotational motion of either one of the annular shaftand the sun shaft is converted into rectilinear motion of the other oneof the annular shaft and the sun shaft along an axial direction by aplanetary motion of the planetary shaft. The method includes the stepsof holding the sun shaft main body and the second sun gear in a state inwhich relative rotation is disabled between the first and second sungears when relative rotational phases substantially coincide between thefirst and second sun gears; and attaching the second sun gear to the sunshaft main body by relatively moving the sun shaft main body and thesecond sun gear in an axial direction after the step of holding the sunshaft main body and the second sun gear.

To achieve the above objects, an eleventh aspect of the presentinvention provides a method for manufacturing a rotational rectilinearmotion conversion mechanism provided with an annular shaft in which anopening is formed. A sun shaft is arranged in the opening of the annularshaft. A planetary shaft is arranged near the sun shaft in the openingof the annular shaft. The sun shaft includes a sun shaft main body andfirst and second sun gears which are external gears formed separatelyfrom the sun shaft main body. The planetary shaft includes a firstplanetary gear which is an external gear for engaging with the first sungear and a second planetary gear which is an external gear for engagingwith the second sun gear. Rotational motion of either one of the annularshaft and the sun shaft is converted into rectilinear motion of theother one of the annular shaft and the sun shaft along an axialdirection by a planetary motion of the planetary shaft. The methodincludes the steps of attaching the first sun gear to the sun shaft mainbody; holding the sun shaft main body and the second sun gear in a statein which relative rotation is disabled between the first and second sungears when relative rotational phases substantially coincide between thefirst and second sun gears after attaching the first sun gear to the sunshaft main body; and attaching the second sun gear to the sun shaft mainbody by relatively moving the sun shaft main body and the second sungear in an axial direction after the step of holding the sun shaft mainbody and the second sun gear.

To achieve the above objects, a twelfth aspect of the present inventionprovides a method for manufacturing a rotational rectilinear motionconversion mechanism provided with an annular shaft in which an openingis formed. A sun shaft is arranged in the opening of the annular shaft.A planetary shaft is arranged near the sun shaft in the opening of theannular shaft. The annular shaft includes an annular shaft main body, afirst annular gear which is an internal gear formed integrally with theannular shaft main body and a second annular gear which is an internalgear formed separately from the annular shaft main body. The planetaryshaft includes a first planetary gear which is an external gear engagedwith the first annular gear and a second planetary gear which is anexternal gear engaged with the second annular gear. Rotational motion ofeither one of the annular shaft and the sun shaft is converted intorectilinear motion of the other one of the annular shaft and the sunshaft along an axial direction by a planetary motion of the planetaryshaft. The method includes the steps of holding the annular shaft mainbody and the second annular gear in a state in which relative rotationis disabled between the first and second annular gears when relativerotational phases substantially coincide between the first and secondannular gears, and attaching the second annular gear to the annularshaft main body by relatively moving the annular shaft main body and thesecond annular gear in an axial direction after the step of holding theannular shaft main body and the second annular gear.

To achieve the above objects, a thirteenth aspect of the presentinvention provides a method for manufacturing a rotational rectilinearmotion conversion mechanism provided with an annular shaft in which anopening is formed. A sun shaft is arranged in the opening of the annularshaft. A planetary shaft is arranged near the sun shaft in the openingof the annular shaft. The annular shaft includes an annular shaft mainbody, first and second annular gears which are internal gears formedseparately from the annular shaft main body. The planetary shaftincludes a first planetary gear which is an external gear engaged withthe first annular gear and a second planetary gear which is an externalgear engaged with the second annular gear. Rotational motion of eitherone of the annular shaft and the sun shaft is converted into rectilinearmotion of the other one of the annular shaft and the sun shaft along anaxial direction by a planetary motion of the planetary shaft. The methodincludes the steps of attaching the first annular gear to the annularshaft main body; holding the annular shaft main body and the secondannular gear in a state in which relative rotation is disabled betweenthe first and second annular gears when relative rotational phasessubstantially coincide between the first and second annular gears afterattaching the first annular gear to the annular shaft main body; andassembling the second annular gear to the annular shaft main body byrelatively moving the annular shaft main body and the second annulargear in an axial direction after the step of holding the annular shaftmain body and the second annular gear.

To achieve the above objects, a fourteenth aspect of the presentinvention provides a method for manufacturing a rotational rectilinearmotion conversion mechanism provided with an annular shaft in which anopening is formed. A sun shaft is arranged in the opening of the annularshaft. A planetary shaft is arranged near the sun shaft in the openingof the annular shaft. The sun shaft includes a sun shaft main body and asun gear which is an external gear arranged on the sun shaft main body.The planetary shaft includes a planetary shaft main body and a planetarygear which is an external gear arranged on the planetary shaft main bodyand engaged with the sun gear. The planetary shaft main body and theplanetary gear are separately formed. Rotational motion of either one ofthe annular shaft and the sun shaft is converted into rectilinear motionof the other one of the annular shaft and the sun shaft along an axialdirection by a planetary motion of the planetary shaft. The methodincludes the steps of assembling a sun shaft assembly including theplanetary shaft main body and the sun shaft main body before theplanetary gear is attached; preparing a planetary support jig forholding the planetary shaft main body in a state substantially parallelto the sun shaft main body; and attaching the planetary gear to theplanetary shaft main body of the sun shaft assembly in a state in whichthe sun shaft assembly is attached to the planetary support jig.

To achieve the above objects, a fifteenth aspect of the presentinvention provides a method for manufacturing a rotational rectilinearmotion conversion mechanism provided with an annular shaft in which anopening is formed. A sun shaft is arranged in the opening of the annularshaft. A planetary shaft is arranged near the sun shaft in the openingof the annular shaft. The annular shaft includes an annular shaft mainbody and an annular gear which is an internal gear arranged in theannular shaft main body. The planetary shaft includes a planetary shaftmain body and a planetary gear which is an external gear arranged on theplanetary shaft main body and engaged with the annular gear. Theplanetary shaft main body and the planetary gear are separately formed.Rotational motion of either one of the annular shaft and the sun shaftis converted into rectilinear motion of the other one of the annularshaft and the sun shaft along an axial direction by a planetary motionof the planetary shaft. The method includes the steps of assembling anannular shaft assembly including the planetary shaft main body and theannular shaft main body before the planetary gear is attached; preparinga planetary support jig for holding the planetary shaft main body in astate substantially parallel to the annular shaft main body; andattaching the planetary gear to the planetary shaft main body of theannular shaft assembly in a state in which the annular shaft assembly isattached to the planetary support jig.

To achieve the above objects, a sixteenth aspect of the presentinvention provides a method for manufacturing a rotational rectilinearmotion conversion mechanism provided with an annular shaft in which anopening is formed. A sun shaft is arranged in the opening of the annularshaft. A planetary shaft is arranged near the sun shaft in the openingof the annular shaft. A sun gear arranged on the sun shaft is engagedwith a planetary gear arranged on the planetary shaft. Rotational motionof a first shaft which is either one of the annular shaft and the sunshaft is converted into a rectilinear motion of a second shaft which isthe other one of the annular shaft and the sun shaft along an axialdirection by a planetary motion of the planetary shaft. The methodincludes the step of combining a plurality of constituent elements thatconstitute the conversion mechanism while managing a rotational phase ofthe sun gear so that a planetary inclination which is an inclination ofthe planetary shaft relative to the sun shaft after the conversionmechanism is assembled is smaller than a reference inclination. Whenwork conversion efficiency is defined as rate of work of the secondshaft relative to work of the first shaft at a time when the rotationalmotion of the first shaft is converted into the rectilinear motion ofthe second shaft by the planetary motion of the planetary shaft, and arequired conversion efficiency is defined as the work conversionefficiency required for the conversion mechanism, the referenceinclination is a planetary inclination corresponding to the requiredconversion efficiency in a relationship between the planetaryinclination and the work conversion efficiency.

To achieve the above objects, a seventeenth aspect of the presentinvention provides a method for manufacturing a rotational rectilinearmotion conversion mechanism provided with an annular shaft in which anopening is formed. A sun shaft is arranged in the opening of the annularshaft. A planetary shaft is arranged near the sun shaft in the openingof the annular shaft. An annular gear arranged on the annular shaft isengaged with a planetary gear arranged on the planetary shaft.Rotational motion of a first shaft which is either one of the annularshaft and the sun shaft is converted into a rectilinear motion of asecond shaft which is the other one of the annular shaft and the sunshaft along an axial direction by a planetary motion of the planetaryshaft. The method includes the step of combining a plurality ofconstituent elements that constitute the conversion mechanism whilemanaging a rotational phase of the annular gear so that a planetaryinclination which is an inclination of the planetary shaft relative tothe annular shaft after the conversion mechanism is assembled is smallerthan a reference inclination. When work conversion efficiency is definedas rate of work of the second shaft relative to work of the first shaftat a time when the rotational motion of the first shaft is convertedinto the rectilinear motion of the second shaft by the planetary motionof the planetary shaft, and a required conversion efficiency is definedas the work conversion efficiency required for the conversion mechanism,the reference inclination is a planetary inclination corresponding tothe required conversion efficiency in a relationship between theplanetary inclination and the work conversion efficiency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a conversion mechanism in a firstembodiment of a method for manufacturing a rotational rectilinear motionconversion mechanism according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of theconversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a front view showing a ring shaft in the conversion mechanismof FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a plan view of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4A-4A in FIG. 3 ofthe ring shaft in the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which part of thering shaft in FIG. 1 is disassembled;

FIG. 5A is a front view showing a sun shaft in the conversion mechanismof FIG. 1;

FIG. 5B is a front view showing a state in which part of the sun shaftin FIG. 5A is disassembled;

FIG. 6A is a front view showing a planetary shaft in the conversionmechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6B is a front view showing a state in which part of the planetaryshaft in FIG. 6A is disassembled;

FIG. 6C is a view taken along a center line of a rear planetary gear inFIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along a center line of theconversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7 of theconversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 7 of theconversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 7 ofthe conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a process chart of a process I in a method for manufacturingthe conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a process chart of a process J in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13A is a plan view showing a first jig used in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13B-13B in FIG. 13;

FIG. 14 is a process chart of a process K in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15A is a plan view showing a threaded jig in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15B is a plan view showing a state in which the threaded jig inFIG. 15A is separated into each of separated bodies;

FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15C-15C in FIG. 15of the threaded jig in FIG. 15A;

FIG. 16 is a process chart of a process L in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17A is a plan view showing a first jig, a sun shaft main body, anda planetary shaft main body in an assembling process of the conversionmechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17B is a front view showing the first jig, the sun shaft main body,and the planetary shaft main body in FIG. 17A;

FIG. 18 is a process chart of a process L1 in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 19 is a process chart of processes L2 and L3 in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 20 is a process chart of a process L4 in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is a process chart of a process L5 in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 22 is a process chart of a process M in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 23A is a plan view showing a second jig used in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 23B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 23B-23B in FIG. 23of the second jig in FIG. 23A;

FIG. 24 is a process chart of a process N in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 25A is a front view showing a retainer used in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 25B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 25B-25B in FIG. 25of the retainer in FIG. 25A;

FIG. 26 is a process chart of a process O in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 27 is a process chart of a process P in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 28 is a process chart of a process Q in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 29A is a perspective view showing a gear jig used in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 29B is a front view showing the gear jig of FIG. 29A;

FIG. 30A is a plan view showing the gear jig used in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 30B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 30B-30B in FIG. 30of the gear jig in FIG. 30A;

FIG. 31 is a process chart of a process R in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 32 is a process chart of a process S in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 33 is a process chart of a process T in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 34 is a front view showing a planetary shaft in a second embodimentof a method for manufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 35 is a process chart of a process J in a third embodiment of amethod for manufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 36 is a process chart of a process L in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 37 is a process chart of a process M in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 38 is a process chart of a process O in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 39 is a process chart of a process P in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 40 is a schematic diagram showing a change of an attitude of theplanetary shaft in a fourth embodiment of a method for manufacturing theconversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 41 is a graph showing the relation between an angle of slant of theplanetary shaft and a work conversion efficiency of the conversionmechanism;

FIG. 42 is a plan view showing an assembling jig used in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structuretaken along a line 43-43 in FIG. 42 of the assembling jig used in themethod for manufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the assembling jig used in themethod for manufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the assembling jig used in themethod for manufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the assembling jig used in themethod for manufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 47A is a plan view showing a support jig used in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 47B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 47B-47B in FIG. 47A;

FIG. 48 is a process chart of a process XA in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 49 is a process chart of a process XB in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 50 is a process chart of a process XC in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 51 is a process chart of a process XE in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 52 is a process chart of a process XE1 in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 53 is a process chart of processes XE2 and XE3 in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 54 is a process chart of a process XE4 in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 55 is a process chart of a process XE5 in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 56 is a process chart of a process XF in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 57 is a process chart of a process XG in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 58 is a process chart of a process XH in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 59 is a process chart of a process XI in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 60 is a process chart of the process XI in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 61 is a process chart of a process XJ in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 62 is a process chart of a process XK in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 63 is a process chart of a process XL in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 64 is a process chart of a process XM in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 65 is a process chart of a process XN in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 66 is a process chart of a process XO in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 67 is a process chart of a process XP in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 68 is a process chart of a process XQ in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 69 is a process chart of a process XR in the method formanufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 70A is a schematic diagram showing a ball plunger for a sun gear ofan assembling jig used in the method for manufacturing the conversionmechanism of FIG. 1 and the sun gear;

FIG. 70B is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the ballplunger for the sun gear in FIG. 70A;

FIG. 70C is a schematic diagram showing a further modification of theball plunger for the sun gear in FIG. 70A;

FIG. 71A is a schematic diagram showing a ball plunger for a ring gearof an assembling jig used in the method for manufacturing the conversionmechanism of FIG. 1 and the ring gear;

FIG. 71B is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the ballplunger for the ring gear in FIG. 71A;

FIG. 71C is a schematic diagram showing a further modification of theball plunger for the ring gear in FIG. 71A;

FIG. 72A is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of a firstmovable portion and a second movable portion of the assembling jig usedin the method for manufacturing the conversion mechanism of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 72B is a cross-sectional view of the assembling jig in a state inwhich the first movable portion in FIG. 72A is set to an assemblingposition, and in a state in which the second movable portion in FIG. 72Ais set to a support position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described withreference to FIGS. 1 to 33. Hereinafter, the description will be givenbelow in the order of the structure of a rotational rectilinear motionconversion mechanism assembled through a manufacturing method accordingto the present embodiment, an operation mode of the conversion mechanismand a method for manufacturing the conversion mechanism.

<Structure of Rotational Rectilinear Motion Conversion Mechanism>

An outline of the structure of a rotational rectilinear motionconversion mechanism 1 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1and 2.

The rotational rectilinear motion conversion mechanism 1 includes a ringshaft 2 having a space extending in an axial direction in an innerportion thereof, a sun shaft 3 arranged in the inner portion of the ringshaft 2, and a plurality of planetary shafts 4 arranged around the sunshaft 3. The ring shaft 2 and the sun shaft 3 are arranged in a statewhere respective center lines are aligned with each other or in a statein which they are substantially aligned with each other. The sun shaft 3and each of the planetary shafts 4 are arranged in a state in which therespective center lines are in parallel to each other or a state wherethey are substantially in parallel to each other. Each of the planetaryshafts 4 is arranged in a uniform interval around the sun shaft 3.

In the present embodiment, with regard to each of the constituentelements of the conversion mechanism 1, an aligned attitude is set to anattitude in which its own center line is aligned with the center line ofthe sun shaft 3 and an attitude in which it is substantially alignedtherewith. Further, a parallel attitude is set to an attitude in whichits own center line becomes parallel to the center line of the sun shaft3 and an attitude in which it becomes substantially parallel thereto. Inother words, the ring shaft 2 constructs the conversion mechanism 1 in astate where it is held in the aligned attitude. Further, each of theplanetary shafts 4 constructs the conversion mechanism 1 in a statewhere it is held in the parallel attitude.

In the conversion mechanism 1, force is transmitted from one constituentelement of the ring shaft 2 and each of the planetary shafts 4 to theother constituent element by engagement between a threaded section and agear provided in the ring shaft 2 and a threaded section and a gearprovided in each of the planetary shafts 4. Further, force istransmitted from one constituent element of the sun shaft 3 and each ofthe planetary shafts 4 to the other constituent element by engagementbetween a threaded section and a gear provided in the sun shaft 3 andthe thread section and the gear provided in each of the planetary shafts4.

The conversion mechanism 1 operates as follows based on a combination ofthe respective constituent elements mentioned above. In other words,when one constituent element of the ring shaft 2 and the sun shaft 3rotationally moves, each of the planetary shafts 4 carries out aplanetary motion around the sun shaft 3 through the force transmittedfrom the constituent element. Accordingly, the constituent element movesin an axial direction with respect to each of the planetary shafts 4through the force transmitted to the other constituent element of thering shaft 2 and the sun shaft 3 from each of the planetary shafts 4.

As mentioned above, the conversion mechanism 1 converts rotationalmotion of one of the ring shaft 2 and the sun shaft 3 into a rectilinearmotion of the other of the ring shaft 2 and the sun shaft 3. In thiscase, in the present embodiment, with regard to the axial direction ofthe sun shaft 3, a front direction FR is set to a direction in which thesun shaft 3 is pushed out of the ring shaft 2, and a rear direction RRis set to a direction in which the sun shaft 3 is pulled into the ringshaft 2. Further, when using a certain position of the conversionmechanism 1 as a reference, a front side is defined by the range closerto the front direction FR than the reference position, and a rear sideis defined by the range closer to the rear direction RR than thereference position.

A front collar 51 and a rear collar 52 supporting the sun shaft 3 arefixed to the ring shaft 2. In other words, the ring shaft 2, and thefront collar 51 and the rear collar 52 integrally move. In the ringshaft 2, an opening portion in the front side is closed by the frontcollar 51. Further, an opening portion in the rear side is closed by therear collar 52.

The sun shaft 3 is supported by a bearing 51A of the front collar 51 anda bearing 52A of the rear collar 52. On the other hand, each of theplanetary shafts 4 is not supported by any one of the front collar 51and the rear collar 52. In other words, in the conversion mechanism 1, aposition in a radial direction of the sun shaft 3 is constrained by theengagement between the threaded section and the gear, and the frontcollar 51 and the rear collar 52, and a position in the radial directionof each of the planetary shafts 4 is constrained by the engagementbetween the threaded section and the gear.

The conversion mechanism 1 employs the following structure forlubricating an inner portion of the ring shaft 2 (position where thethreaded section and the gears of the ring shaft 2, the sun shaft 3 andeach of the planetary shafts 4 are engaged). In other words, a pluralityof oil holes 51H for supplying a lubricating oil to the inner portion ofthe ring shaft 2 are formed in the front collar 51. Further, an O-ring53 sealing the inner portion of the ring shaft 2 is installed to each ofthe front collar 51 and the rear collar 52.

A description will be given of a structure of the ring shaft 2 withreference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

The ring shaft 2 includes a ring shaft main body 21 (annular shaft mainbody), a front ring gear 22, and a rear ring gear 23. In the ring shaft2, a center line (axis) of the ring shaft main body 21 corresponds to acenter line (axis) of the ring shaft 2. Accordingly, an aligned attitudeof the ring shaft 2 is secured at a time when the center line of thering shaft main body 21 is aligned with the center line of the sun shaft3 or is substantially aligned therewith.

The ring shaft main body 21 includes a main body threaded portion 21A inwhich internal threads (annular threaded section 24) are formed in aninner circumferential surface, a main body gear portion 21B in which thefront ring gear 22 is assembled, a main body gear portion 21C in whichthe rear ring gear 23 is assembled, and a flange 25 formed in an outercircumference.

The front ring gear 22 is formed as a spur tooth internal gearindependently from the ring shaft main body 21. Further, it isstructured such that its own center line is aligned with the center lineof the ring shaft main body 21 at a time of being assembled in the ringshaft main body 21. With regard to an assembling mode of the front ringgear 22 with respect to the ring shaft main body 21, the presentembodiment is structured such that the front ring gear 22 is fixed tothe ring shaft main body 21 in accordance with a press fitting. In thiscase, the front ring gear 22 may be fixed to the ring shaft main body 21in accordance with the other method than the press fitting.

The rear ring gear 23 is formed as a spur tooth internal gearindependently from the ring shaft main body 21. Further, it isstructured such that its own center line is aligned with the center lineof the ring shaft main body 21 at a time of being assembled in the ringshaft main body 21. With regard to an assembling mode of the rear ringgear 23 with respect to the ring shaft main body 21, the presentembodiment is structured such that the rear ring gear 23 is fixed to thering shaft main body 21 in accordance with a press fitting. In thiscase, the rear ring gear 23 may be fixed to the ring shaft main body 21in accordance with the other method than the press fitting.

The flange 25 is integrally formed with the ring shaft 21 so as to beformed as an annular shape. Further, a notch (annular indicator 20) isformed as an indicator for comprehending a rotational phase of theannular threaded section 24 is formed in part of the flange. The annularthreaded section 24 is formed in the ring shaft main body 21 based onthe annular indicator 20.

In the ring shaft 2, the front ring gear 22 and the rear ring gear 23are formed as a gear having the same shape. In other words, data(reference pitch circle diameter, the number of teeth and the like) ofthe front ring gear 22 and the rear ring gear 23 is set to an equalvalue to each other.

A description will be given of a structure of the sun shaft 3 withreference to FIG. 5.

The sun shaft 3 includes a sun shaft main body 31 (main body of a sunshaft) and a rear sun gear 33. In the sun shaft 3, a center line (axis)of the sun shaft main body 31 corresponds to a center line (axis) of thesun shaft 3.

The sun shaft main body 31 includes a main body threaded portion 31A inwhich external threads (sun threaded section 34) are formed in an outercircumferential surface, a main body gear portion 31B in which a spurtooth external gear (front sun gear 32) is formed, and a main body gearportion 31C in which a rear sun gear 33 is assembled. Further, a groove(sun indicator 30) is formed as an indicator for comprehending arotational phase of a sun threaded section 34 in a distal end portion(main body leading portion 31D) of the sun shaft main body 31. The frontsun gear 32 and the sun gear 34 are formed based on the sun indicator30.

The rear sun gear 33 is formed as a spur tooth external gearindependently from the sun shaft main body 31. Further, it is structuredsuch that its own center line is aligned with the center line of the sunshaft main body 31 at a time of being assembled in the sun shaft mainbody 31. With regard to an assembling mode of the rear sun gear 33 withrespect to the sun shaft main body 31, the present embodiment isstructured such that the rear sun gear 33 is fixed to the sun shaft mainbody 31 in accordance with a press fitting. In this case, the rear sungear 33 may be fixed to the sun shaft main body 31 in accordance withthe other method than the press fitting.

In the sun shaft 3, the front sun gear 32 and the rear sun gear 33 areformed as a gear having the same shape. In other words, data (referencepitch circle diameter, the number of teeth and the like) of the frontsun gear 32 and the rear sun gear 33 is set to an equal value to eachother.

A description will be given of a structure of the planetary shaft 4 withreference to FIG. 6.

The planetary shaft 4 includes a planetary shaft main body 41 (main bodyof a planetary shaft) and a rear planetary gear 43. In the planetaryshaft 4, a center line (axis) of the planetary shaft main body 41corresponds to a center line (axis) of the planetary shaft 4.Accordingly, a parallel attitude of the planetary shaft 4 is secured ata time when the center line of the planetary shaft main body 41 is inparallel to the center line of the sun shaft 3 or is substantially inparallel thereto.

The planetary shaft main body 41 includes a main body threaded portion41A in which external threads (planetary threaded section 44) are formedon an outer circumferential surface, a main body gear portion 41B inwhich a spur tooth external gear (front planetary gear 42) is formed, arear shaft 41R in which a rear planetary gear 43 is assembled, and afront shaft 41F fitted to a jig at a time of assembling the conversionmechanism 1. In this case, in the planetary shaft main body 41, aportion from an end portion of the front planetary gear 42 to a distalend (front distal end portion 41T) in a front of the planetary shaftmain body 41 is formed as the front shaft 41F.

The rear planetary gear 43 is formed as a spur tooth external gearindependently from the planetary shaft main body 41. Further, it isassembled in the planetary shaft main body 41 by a rear shaft 41R of theplanetary shaft main body 41 being inserted to a bearing hole 43H.Further, it is structured such that its own center line is aligned withthe center line of the planetary shaft main body 41 in a state of beingassembled in the planetary shaft main body 41.

With regard to an assembling mode of the rear planetary gear 43 withrespect to the planetary shaft main body 41, the present embodimentemploys a free fit in such a manner that the rear planetary gear 43 canrelatively rotate with respect to the planetary shaft main body 41. Inthis case, it is possible to employ the other assembling modes than thefree fit, as an assembling mode for obtaining a relative rotationbetween the planetary shaft main body 41 and the rear planetary gear 43.

In the planetary shaft 4, the front planetary gear 42 and the rearplanetary gear 43 are formed as a gear having the same shape. In otherwords, data (reference pitch circle diameter, the number of teeth andthe like) of the front planetary gear 42 and the rear planetary gear 43is set to an equal value to each other.

A description will be given of a relation between the constituentelements in the conversion mechanism 1 with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10.In this case, there is exemplified the conversion mechanism 1 structuredsuch that nine planetary shafts 4 are provided, however, the arrangednumber of the planetary shaft 4 can be appropriately changed.

In the conversion mechanism 1, an operation of each of the constituentelements is allowed or limited as described below.

(a) In the ring shaft 2, the relative rotation is disabled between thering shaft main body 21, the front ring gear 22 and the rear ring gear23. Further, the relative rotation is disabled between the ring shaftmain body 21, the front collar 51 and the rear collar 52.

(b) In the sun shaft 3, the relative rotation is disabled between thesun shaft main body 31 and the rear sun gear 33.

(c) In the planetary shaft 4, the relative rotation is allowed betweenthe planetary shaft main body 41 and the rear planetary gear 43.

In the conversion mechanism 1, the force is transmitted between theconstituent elements through the engagement of the threaded sections andthe gears between the ring shaft 2, the sun shaft 3 and each of theplanetary shafts 4.

In the ring shaft 2 and each of the planetary shafts 4, the annularthreaded section 24 of the ring shaft main body 21 is engaged with theplanetary threaded section 44 of each of the planetary shaft main bodies41. Further, the front ring gear 22 of the ring shaft main body 21 isengaged with the front planetary gear 42 of each of the planetary shaftmain bodies 41. Further, the rear ring gear 23 of the ring shaft mainbody 21 is engaged with the rear planetary gear 43 of each of theplanetary shaft main bodies 41.

Accordingly, when the rotational motion is input to one of the ringshaft 2 and each of the planetary shafts 4, the force is transmitted tothe other of the ring shaft 2 and each of the planetary shafts 4 throughthe engagement between the annular threaded section 24 and the planetarythreaded section 44, the engagement between the front ring gear 22 andthe front planetary gear 42, and the engagement between the rear ringgear 23 and the rear planetary gear 43.

In the sun shaft 3 and each of the planetary shafts 4, the sun threadedsection 34 of the sun shaft main body 31 is engaged with the planetarythreaded section 44 of each of the planetary shaft main bodies 41.Further, the front sun gear 32 of the sun shaft main body 31 is engagedwith the front planetary gear 42 of each of the planetary shaft mainbodies 41. Further, the rear sun gear 33 of the sun shaft main body 31is engaged with the rear planetary gear 43 of each of the planetaryshaft main bodies 41.

Accordingly, when the rotational motion is input to one of the sun shaft3 and each of the planetary shafts 4, the force is transmitted to theother of the sun shaft 3 and each of the planetary shafts 4 through theengagement between the sun threaded section 34 and the planetarythreaded section 44, the engagement between the front sun gear 32 andthe front planetary gear 42, and the engagement between the rear sungear 33 and the rear planetary gear 43.

As mentioned above, the conversion mechanism 1 is structured such as tobe provided with a speed reducing mechanism formed by the annularthreaded section 24 of the ring shaft 2, the sun threaded section 34 ofthe sun shaft 3, and the planetary threaded section 44 of each of theplanetary shafts 4, a speed reducing mechanism formed by the front ringgear 22, the front sun gear 32 and each of the front planetary gears 42,and a speed reducing mechanism formed by the rear ring gear 23, the rearsun gear 33 and each of the rear planetary gears 43.

<Operating Mode of Rotational Rectilinear Motion Conversion Mechanism>

In the rotational rectilinear motion conversion mechanism 1, anoperating method (motion converting method) for converting therotational motion into the rectilinear motion is determined by a setmode of the number of teeth in each of the gears and the number ofgrooves in each of the threaded sections. In other words, it is possibleto select any one of a sun shaft displacing method of linearly movingthe sun shaft 3 with the rotational motion of the ring shaft 2, and anannular shaft displacing method of linearly moving the ring shaft 2 withthe rotational motion of the sun shaft 3, as the motion convertingmethod. A description will be given below of the operating mode of theconversion mechanism 1 in each of the motion converting methods.

(A) In the case that the sun shaft displacing method is employed as themotion converting method, the motion is converted from the rotationalmotion to the rectilinear motion as follows. In other words, when therotational motion is input to the ring shaft 2, the force is transmittedfrom the ring shaft 2 to each of the planetary shafts 4 through theengagement between the front ring gear 22 and each of the frontplanetary gears 42, the engagement between the rear ring gear 23 andeach of the rear planetary gears 43, and the engagement between theannular threaded section 24 and each of the planetary threaded sections44, whereby each of the planetary shafts 4 revolving around the sunshaft 3 while rotating on its axis. Further, since the force istransmitted from each of the planetary shafts 4 to the sun shaft 3through the engagement between each of the front planetary gears 42 andthe front sun gear 32, the engagement between each of the rear planetarygears 43 and the rear sun gear 33, and the engagement between each ofthe planetary threaded sections 44 and the sun threaded section 34, inaccordance with the planetary motion of the planetary shaft 4, the sunshaft 3 displaces in the axial direction.

(B) In the case where the annular shaft displacing method is employed asthe motion converting method, the motion is converted from therotational motion to the rectilinear motion as follows. In other words,when the rotational motion is input to the sun shaft 3, the force istransmitted from the sun shaft 3 to each of the planetary shafts 4through the engagement between the front sun gear 32 and each of thefront planetary gears 42, the engagement between the rear sun gear 33and each of the rear planetary gears 43, and the engagement between thesun threaded section 34 and each of the planetary threaded sections 44,whereby each of the planetary shafts 4 revolves around the sun shaft 3while rotating on its own axis. Further, since the force is transmittedfrom each of the planetary shafts 4 to the ring shaft 2 through theengagement between each of the front planetary gears 42 and the frontring gear 22, the engagement between each of the rear planetary gears 43and the rear ring gear 23, and the engagement between each of theplanetary threaded sections 44 and the annular threaded section 24, thering shaft 2 displaces in the axial direction.

<Method for Manufacturing Rotational Rectilinear Motion ConversionMechanism>

A description will be given of a method for manufacturing the rotationalrectilinear motion conversion mechanism 1 with reference to FIGS. 11 to33. Here is assumed the conversion mechanism 1 structured such as to beprovided with nine planetary shafts 4. Further, with regard to each ofthe constituent elements of the conversion mechanism 1, a rotationalphase is shown by a position in the rotational direction based on eachof the center lines, that is, a phase in the rotational direction basedon each of the center lines.

The manufacturing method according to the present embodiment is roughlydivided into processes (processes A to H) of manufacturing each of theconstituent elements of the conversion mechanism 1 and processes(processes I to S) of assembling the conversion mechanism 1 byassembling the constituent elements.

In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, each ofthe constituent elements of the conversion mechanism 1 is manufacturedby including the following processes A to H.

[process A] The process manufactures the ring shaft main body 21 (thebasic ring shaft main body) in a state in which the annular threadedsection 24 is not formed.

[process B] The process forms the annular indicator 20 in the flange 25of the basic ring shaft main body. In this case, the process A maymanufacture the basic ring shaft main body including the annularindicator 20.

[process C] The process forms the annular threaded section 24 bythreading the basic ring shaft main body using the annular indicator 20as a reference. Accordingly, since a rotational phase of the annularindicator 20 and a rotational phase of the annular threaded section 24are set to a fixed relation, it is possible to comprehend the rotationalphase of the annular threaded section 24 based on the annular indicator20.

[process D] The process manufactures the sun shaft main body 31 (thebasic sun shaft main body) in a state in which the sun threaded section34 and the front sun gear 32 are not formed.

[process E] The process forms the sun indicator 30 in the main bodydistal end portion 31D of the basic sun shaft main body.

[process F] The process forms the front sun gear 32 and the sun threadedsection 34 in the basic sun shaft main body by performing threadingusing the sun indicator 30 as a reference. Accordingly, since therotational phase of the sun indicator 30 and the rotational phase of thefront sun gear 32 and the sun threaded section 34 are set to a fixedrelation, it is possible to comprehend the rotational phase of the frontsun gear 32 and the sun threaded section 34 based on the sun indicator30. In this case, during the threading, it is possible to employ themethod of simultaneously threading the front sun gear 32 and the sunthreaded section 34 or the method of separately threading the front sungear 32 and the sun threaded section 34.

[process G] The process manufactures the planetary shaft main body 41(the basic planetary shaft main body) in a state in which the planetarythreaded section 44 and the front planetary gear 42 are not formed.

[process H] The process rolls the planetary threaded section 44 and thefront planetary gear 42 in the basic planetary shaft main body. At thistime, in order to make the relation between the rotational phase of thefront planetary gear 42 and the rotational phase of the planetarythreaded section 44 identical in all the planetary shaft main body 41,the front planetary gear 42 and the planetary threaded section 44 aresimultaneously form rolled. In the case that it is possible to make therelation between the rotational shape of the front planetary gear 42 andthe rotational phase of the planetary threaded section 44 identical inall the planetary shaft main body 41, it is possible to employ themethod of separately threading the front planetary gear 42 and theplanetary threaded section 44.

In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, theassembly of the conversion mechanism 1 including the following processesI to S is carried out after passing through the process of manufacturingeach of the constituent elements mentioned above.

[process I (FIG. 11)] The process washes each of the constituentelements including the ring shaft main body 21, the sun shaft main body31, the planetary shaft main body 41, the front ring gear 22, the rearring gear 23, the rear sun gear 33 and the rear planetary gear 43.

[process J (FIG. 12)] The process attaches the sun shaft main body 31 toa first jig 61.

A description will be given of a structure of the first jig 61 withreference to FIG. 13.

The first jig 61 is structured such that the sun shaft main body 31 canbe fixed to the first jig 61 in a state in which the sun shaft main body31 is inserted to a bearing hole 61H. Further, with regard to a jigperipheral wall 61W forming the bearing hole 61H, a length (peripheralwall thickness TW) in a direction which is orthogonal to a center lineof the bearing hole 61H is set as follows. In other words, theperipheral wall thickness TW is set such that the front distal endportion 41T can come into contact with an end surface (jig end surface61F) of the jig peripheral wall 61W at a time of arranging the planetaryshaft main body 41 so as to be spaced at a fixed interval in a radialdirection with respect to the sun shaft main body 31, in a state inwhich the center line of the sun shaft main body 31 becomes parallel tothe center line of the planetary shaft main body 41.

In the process J, the sun shaft main body 31 is specifically attached tothe first jig 61 through the following operations (a) and (b).

(a) In the sun shaft main body 31, the portion positioned closer to thefront than the front sun gear 32 in the sun shaft main body 31 isinserted to the bearing hole 61H.

(b) The sun shaft main body 31 is fixed to the first jig 61.

[process K (FIG. 14)] The process sets the rotational phase with respectto a threaded jig 7 to the identical rotational phase in all theplanetary shaft main bodies 41, by attaching each of the planetary shaftmain bodies 41 to the threaded jig 7, as a preparation for assembling anassembly (first assembly 91 (basic assembly)) formed by a combination ofthe sun shaft main body 31 and the planetary shaft main body 41 in afirst assembly state (normal assembly state). In this case, the firstassembly state means a state where there are obtained an engagementbetween the front sun gear 32 and each of the front planetary gears 42and an engagement between the sun threaded section 34 and each of theplanetary threaded sections 44, in a state in which the planetary shaftmain bodies 41 are arranged around the sun shaft main body 31 so as tobe spaced at a uniform interval.

A description will be given of a structure of the threaded jig 7 withreference to FIG. 15.

The threaded jig 7 includes a first divided body 71 and a second dividedbody 72. Further, an internally threaded section 73 engaging with theplanetary threaded section 44 of the planetary shaft main body 41 and aninsertion hole 74 for inserting the rear shaft 41R are formed over thefirst divided body 71 and the second divided body 72. In other words, itis possible to detach the planetary shaft main body 41 from the threadedjig 7 in a state holding the rotational phase, by dividing the firstdivided body 71 and the second divided body 72 in a state in which theplanetary shaft main body 41 is fastened to the internally threadedsection 73.

The process K specifically sets the rotational phases of all theplanetary shaft main bodies 41 with respect to the threaded jig 7 to theidentical rotational phase through the following operations (a) and (b).

(a) The threaded jig 7 in the state where the first divided body 71 andthe second divided body 72 are combined is prepared per the planetaryshaft main body 41. At this time, each of the threaded jigs 7 isarranged in such a manner that the center line of the planetary shaftmain body 41 becomes parallel to the center line of the sun shaft mainbody 31 of the first assembly 91 in the state where the planetary shaftmain body 41 is fastened to the internally threaded section 73.

(b) The planetary threaded section 44 is fastened to the internallythreaded section 73 until the main body threaded portion 41A of theplanetary shaft main body 41 abuts part of the threaded jig 7. In themanufacturing method according to the present embodiment, nine threadedjigs 7 can be obtained, to each of which one planetary shaft main body41 is fastened in accordance with this work.

[process L (FIG. 16)] The process assembles an assembly (first assembly91) formed by a combination of the sun shaft main body 31 in the firstassembled state and the planetary shaft main body 41. In other words,the first assembly is assembled by engaging the front sun gear 32 of thesun shaft main body 31 with the sun gear 34, and engaging the frontplanetary gear 42 of each of the planetary shaft main bodies 41 with theplanetary threaded section 44.

In this case, as a factor indicating the relation of the planetary shaftmain body 41 with respect to the sun shaft main body 31,“circumferential relative position MR”, “radial relative position ML”,“axial relative position MS” and “planetary shaft relative phase MP” arerespectively defined as follows.

A circumferential relative position MR is defined by a position in acircumferential direction of the planetary shaft main body 41 withrespect to the sun shaft main body 31.

A radial relative position ML is defined by a position in a radialdirection of the planetary shaft main body 41 with respect to the sunshaft main body 31.

An axial relative position MS is defined by a position in an axialdirection of the planetary shaft main body 41 with respect to the sunshaft main body 31.

A planetary shaft relative phase MP is defined by the rotational phaseof the planetary shaft main body 41 with respect to the rotational phaseof the sun shaft main body 31.

Further, “circumferential relative position MR”, “radial relativeposition ML”, “axial relative position MS” and “planetary shaft relativephase MP” in the first assembly 91 are respectively defined as follows.

A circumferential regular position XR is defined by the circumferentialrelative position MR in the first assembly 91.

A radial regular position XL is defined by the radial relative positionML in the first assembly 91.

An axial regular position XS is defined by the axial relative positionMS in the first assembly 91.

A planetary shaft regular phase XP is defined by the planetary shaftrelative phase MP in the first assembly 91.

In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, thecircumferential relative position MR, the radial relative position ML,the axial relative position MS and the planetary shaft relative phase MPof each of the planetary shaft main bodies 41 are respectively setthrough the following methods (A) to (D), at a time of assembling thesun shaft main body 31 and each of the planetary shaft main bodies 41.

(A) The circumferential relative position MR can be set to thecircumferential regular position XR based on the sun indicator 30 bypreviously comprehending a relative relation between the rotationalphase of the sun indicator 30 of the sun shaft main body 31 and thecircumferential regular position XR.

(B) The radial relative position ML can be set to the radial regularposition XL by abutting the planetary shaft main body 41 against the sunshaft main body 31 from the radial direction.

(C) The axial relative position MS can be set to the axial regularposition XS based on the position of the front distal end portion 41T bypreviously comprehending a corresponding relation between the sun shaftmain body 31 and the front race side distal end portion 41T of theplanetary shaft main body 41 at the axial regular position XS.

(D) The planetary shaft relative phase MP can be set to the planetaryshaft regular phase XP based on the sun indicator 30 by previouslycomprehending a corresponding relation between the rotational phase ofthe sun indicator of the sun shaft main body 31 and the planetary shaftregular phase XP. Specifically, the setting of the planetary shaftregular phase XP based on the sun indicator 30 is achieved as follows.

In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, arelation between the rotational phase of the sun indicator 30 and therotational phase of the sun threaded section 34 always comes to a fixedrelation by forming the sun threaded section 34 based on the sunindicator 30 of the sun shaft main body 31. Further, the relationbetween the rotational phase of the sun indicator 30 and the rotationalphase of the sun threaded section 34 is previously comprehended.Further, the rotational phase (planetary shaft reference phase BP) ofthe planetary shaft main body 41 is previously comprehended with respectto the rotational phase of the sun shaft main body 31 at a time offastening the planetary shaft main body 41 to the threaded jig 7 in astate in which the center line of the sun shaft main body 31 becomesparallel to the center line of the internally threaded section 73 (theplanetary shaft main body 41) of the threaded jig 7.

Accordingly, since it is possible to set the relation between therotational phase of the sun threaded section 34 and the rotational phaseof the planetary shaft main body 41 on the assumption that therotational phase of the sun indicator 30 is the rotational phase of thesun threaded section 34, it is possible to set the planetary shaftrelative phase MP to the planetary shaft regular phase XP based on therotational phase of the sun indicator 30 and the planetary shaftreference phase BP. In other words, it is possible to set the planetaryshaft relative phase MP to the planetary shaft regular phase XP based onthe rotational phase of the sun indicator 30 by attaching the planetaryshaft main body 41 to the threaded jig 7 so as to index the planetaryshaft reference phase BP.

In the process L, the first assembly 91 is specifically assembled inaccordance with the following [process L] to [process L].

Prior to a description of each of the assembling procedures, adescription will be given of “reference plane VP”, “reference line VL”and “reference position VR” shown in FIG. 17. In this case, FIG. 17Ashows a planar structure of the sun shaft main body 31 in a state ofbeing fixed to the first jig 61. Further, FIG. 17B shows across-sectional structure of the sun shaft main body 31 along a centerline of the sun shaft main body 31 in a state of being fixed to thefirst jig 61.

(a) A plane which is orthogonal to the center line of the sun shaft mainbody 31 is set to a reference plane VP.

(b) A point on the reference plane VP is set to a first reference pointPA, in the center line of the sun shaft main body 31.

(c) A point on the reference plate VP is set to a second reference pointPB, in the center line of the planetary shaft main body 41 positioned atthe circumferential regular position XR.

(d) A line passing through the first reference point PA and the secondreference point PB is set to a reference line VL on the reference planeVP.

(e) A position except the radial regular position XL in the position inwhich its own center line is orthogonal to the reference line VL is setto a reference position VR, in the planetary shaft main body 41. Inother words, the reference position VR corresponds to a position inwhich the circumferential relative position MR is the circumferentialregular position XR and the radial relative position ML is not theradial regular position XL.

A description will be given of an assembling procedure of the firstassembly 91 with reference to FIGS. 18 to 21. In this case, theprocesses L1 to L5 show an assembling procedure of the planetary shaftmain body 41.

[process L1 (FIG. 18)] The planetary shaft main body 41 is detached fromthe threaded jig 7 by dividing the threaded jig 7. At this time, theplanetary shaft main body 41 is in a state where its own center linebecomes parallel to the center line of the sun shaft main body 31.

[process L2 (FIG. 19)] The planetary shaft main body 41 is arranged inthe reference position VR based on the rotational phase of the sunindicator 30. In other words, the planetary shaft main body 41 is movedto a position (reference position VR) in which its own center lineintersects the reference line VL obtained by the second reference pointPB and the first reference point PA of its own circumferential regularposition XR. At this time, the planetary shaft main body 41 is moved ina state of keeping the relation to the rotational phase of the sun shaftmain body 31 (the sun indicator 30). Further, the reference position VRselects a position at which the front distal end portion 41T can bestruck against the jig end surface 61F of the first jig 61 at a time ofmoving in parallel the planetary shaft main body 41 along the centerline.

[process L3 (FIG. 19)] The planetary shaft relative phase MP is set tothe planetary shaft regular phase XP based on the rotational phase ofthe sun indicator 30. Specifically, the planetary shaft relative phaseMP is set to the planetary shaft regular phase XP by rotating theplanetary shaft main body 41 in such a manner that a difference of therelative rotational phases runs short, after comprehending thedifference between the planetary reference phase BP and the planetaryshaft regular phase XP based on a comparison between the rotationalphase of the sun indicator 30 and the planetary shaft reference phaseBP.

[process L4 (FIG. 20)] The axial relative position MS is set to theaxial regular position XS by moving the planetary shaft main body 41 inparallel along the center line so as to abut the front distal endportion 41T against the jig end surface 61F.

[process L5 (FIG. 21)] The radial relative position ML is set to theradial regular position XL by moving the planetary shaft main body 41 inparallel so as to abut against the sun shaft main body 31 in the statewhere the center line of the planetary shaft main body 41 becomesparallel to the center line of the sun shaft main body 31. Specifically,the planetary shaft main body 41 is moved in parallel from the referenceposition VR to the radial regular position XL in such a manner that alocus of the center line (the second reference point PB) of theplanetary shaft main body 41 on the reference plane VP is aligned withthe reference line VL. At this time, since the planetary shaft main body41 is arranged at the radial regular position XL in a state in which theplanetary shaft main body 41 is set to the circumferential regularposition XR, the axial regular position XS and the planetary shaftregular phase XP, it is possible to simultaneously obtain the engagementbetween the front planetary gear 42 and the front sun gear 32 and theengagement between the planetary threaded section 44 and the sunthreaded section 34.

[process M (FIG. 22)] The jig attached to the first assembly 91 ischanged from the first jig 61 to a second jig 62.

A description will be given of a structure of the second jig 62 withreference to FIG. 23.

The second jig 62 is structured such as to be provided with a sun jig 63for fixing the sun shaft main body 31 and a planetary jig 64 forsupporting the front shaft 41F of the planetary shaft main body 41. Inother words, the same number of planetary jigs 64 as the number of theplanetary shafts 4 provided in the conversion mechanism 1 are integrallyformed with the sun jig 63.

The sun jig 63 is structured such that its own center line (center lineof a bearing hole 63H) is aligned with the center line of the sun shaftmain body 31 in a state in which the sun shaft main body 31 is insertedto the bearing hole 63H. Each of the planetary jigs 64 is structuredsuch that their center lines are spaced at a uniform interval around thecenter line of the bearing hole 63H. The sun jig 63 and each of theplanetary jigs 64 are structured such that their center lines become inparallel to each other. A hole (support hole 64H) corresponding to ashape of the front shaft 41F of the planetary shaft main body 41 isformed in a distal end portion of each of the planetary jigs 64.

In the process M, the first assembly 91 is specifically attached to thesecond jig 62 through the following operations (a) to (c).

(a) The first assembly 91 is detached from the first jig 61 in a stateof keeping the relation between the sun shaft main body 31 and each ofthe planetary shaft main bodies 41 in the first assembly 91.

(b) The first assembly 91 is moved to the position in which the centerline of the second jig 62 is aligned with the center line of the sunshaft main body 31, and the position in which the center line of theplanetary jig 64 is aligned with the center line of the planetary shaftmain body 41.

(c) The first assembly 91 is attached to the second jig 62 by moving thefirst assembly 91 in parallel along the center line. In other words, thesun shaft main body 31 is inserted to the bearing hole 63H and the frontshaft 41F of each of the planetary shaft main bodies 41 is fitted to thesupport hole 64H of the corresponding planetary jig 64.

[process N (FIG. 24)] A retainer 65 is installed to each of theplanetary shaft main bodies 41 of the first assembly 91.

A description will be given of a structure of the retainer 65 withreference to FIG. 25.

The retainer 65 is structured as a jig for supporting the rear shaft 41Rof each of the planetary shaft main bodies 41 in a lump. In other words,in the retainer 65, there are formed a sun bearing hole 65S forinserting the sun shaft main body 31 and a plurality of planetarybearing holes 65P for inserting the rear shaft 41R.

The sun bearing hole 65S is formed in such a manner that its own centerline is aligned with the center line of the sun shaft main body 31 in astate in which the retainer 65 is installed to the first assembly 91.The planetary bearing hole 65P is formed in such a manner that aninterval between their center lines becomes a uniform interval aroundthe center line of the sun bearing hole 65S. The sun bearing hole 65Sand the planetary bearing hole 65P are formed in such a manner thattheir center lines become in parallel to each other.

In the process N, the retainer 65 is specifically attached to the firstassembly 91 through the following operations (a) and (b).

(a) The retainer 65 is arranged at a position in which the center lineof each of the planetary bearing holes 65P is aligned with the centerline of each of the planetary jigs 64.

(b) The retainer 65 is attached to the first assembly 91 by moving theretainer 65 in parallel along the center line. In other words, the rearshaft 41R of each of the planetary shaft main bodies 41 is inserted intoeach of the planetary bearing holes 65P of the retainer 65.

[process O (FIG. 26)] The process assembles an assembly (second assembly92) formed by a combination of the first assembly 91 and the front ringgear 22. In other words, the second assembly 92 is assembled by engagingeach of the front planetary gears 42 of the first assembly 91 with thefront ring gear 22. As mentioned above, in the first assembly 91, sinceit is possible to engage each of the front planetary gears 42 with thefront ring gear 22, it is possible to assume that one gear having adiscontinuous shape is formed by these front planetary gears 42. In thefollowing description, one gear formed by the front planetary gears 42and engaging with the front ring gear 22 is set as a counter ring gear45.

In this case, with regard to rotational phases of the counter ring gear45 and the front ring gear 22, the rotational phase of the counter ringgear 45 coincides with the rotational phase of the front ring gear 22 ina state in which the front ring gear 22 is engaged with the counter ringgear 45. In other words, a difference between the relative rotationalphases is not generated between the counter ring gear 45 and the frontring gear 22. In the following description, an annular gear rotationalphase difference is set to the difference of the relative rotationalphases between the counter ring gear 45 and the front ring gear 22, andan annular gear reference phase RA is set to the rotational phase of thefront ring gear 22 with respect to the rotational phase of the counterring gear 45 in a state in which the annular gear rotational phasedifference is not generated.

In the process O, the rotational phase of the front ring gear 22 is setto the annular gear reference phase RA before assembling the secondassembly 92. Accordingly, since it is possible to engage the counterring gear 45 with the front ring gear 22 by moving the front ring gear22 in parallel along the center line, in the state where the center lineof the front ring gear 22 is aligned with the center line of the sunshaft main body 31 of the first assembly 91, it is possible to achievean improvement of a working efficiency in accordance with the assemblingof the second assembly 92.

In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, sincethe first assembly 91 is assembled through the combination of the sunshaft main body 31 and the planetary shaft main body 41 based on the sunindicator 30 of the sun shaft main body 31, the relation between therotational phase of the sun indicator 30 and the rotational phase of thecounter ring gear 45 always comes to a fixed relation. Accordingly, itis possible to set the rotational phase of the front ring gear 22 bypreviously comprehending the relation between the rotational phase ofthe sun indicator 30 and the rotational phase of the counter ring gear45 in the first assembly 91 so as to assume the rotational phase of thesun indicator 30 as the rotational phase of the counter ring gear 45. Inother words, it is possible to set the rotational phase of the frontring gear 22 to the annular gear reference phase RA based on therelation between the rotational phase of the sun indicator 30 and therotational phase of the front ring gear 22.

In the process O, the second assembly 92 is specifically assembledthrough the following operations (a) to (c).

(a) The front ring gear 22 is arranged at a position in which the centerline of the sun shaft main body 31 is aligned with its own center linein the rear of the first assembly 91.

(b) The rotational phase of the front ring gear 22 is set to the annulargear reference phase RA based on the relation between the rotationalphase of the sun indicator 30 and the rotational phase of the front ringgear 22.

(c) Each of the front planetary gears 42 (the counter ring gears 45) ofthe first assembly 91 is engaged with the front ring gear 22 by movingthe front ring gear 22 in parallel along the center line in a state ofkeeping the front ring gear 22 in an attitude which is set through theworks (a) and (b) mentioned above.

[process P (FIG. 27)] An assembly (third assembly 93 (axial assembly))formed by a combination of the second assembly 92 and the ring shaftmain body 21 is assembled. In other words, the third assembly 93 isassembled by engaging each of the planetary threaded sections 44 of thesecond assembly 92 with the annular threaded section 24 of the ringshaft main body 21. As mentioned above, in the second assembly 92, sinceit is possible to engage the annular threaded section 24 with each ofthe planetary threaded sections 44, it is possible to assume that oneexternally threaded section having a discontinuous thread ridge isformed by a plurality of planetary threaded sections 44. In thefollowing description, one externally threaded section formed by theseplanetary threaded sections 44 and engaging with the annular threadedsection 24 is set as a counter annular threaded section 46.

In this case, with regard to the rotational phases of the counterannular threaded section 46 and the annular threaded section 24, therotational phase of the counter annular threaded section 46 coincideswith the rotational phase of the annular threaded section 24, in a statein which the annular threaded section 24 begins to engage with thecounter annular threaded section 46. In other words, a difference of therelative rotational phase is not generated between the counter annularthreaded section 46 and the annular threaded section 24. In thefollowing description, an annular thread rotational phase difference isset as the difference of the relative rotational phase between thecounter annular threaded section 46 and the annular threaded section 24,and an annular threaded section reference phase RB is set as therotational phase of the annular threaded section 24 with respect to therotational phase of the counter annular threaded section 46 in the statewhere the annular thread rotational phase difference is not generated.

In the process P, the rotational phase of the annular threaded section24 (the ring shaft main body 21) is set to the annular threaded sectionreference phase RB before assembling the third assembly 93. Accordingly,since it is possible to engage the counter annular threaded section 46with the annular threaded section 24 by moving the ring shaft main body21 in parallel along the center line, in the state where the center lineof the ring shaft main body 21 is aligned with the center line of thesun shaft main body 31 of the second assembly 92, it is possible toachieve an improvement of a working efficiency in the assembling of thethird assembly 93.

In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, sincethe first assembly 91 is assembled through the combination of the sunshaft main body 31 and the planetary shaft main body 41 based on the sunindicator 30 of the sun shaft main body 31, the relation between therotational phase of the sun indicator 30 and the rotational phase of thecounter annular threaded section 46 always comes to a fixed relation.Further, since the annular threaded section 24 is formed based on theannular indicator 20 of the ring shaft main body 21, the relationbetween the rotational phase of the annular indicator 20 and therotational phase of the annular threaded section 24 always comes to afixed relation. Accordingly, the structure is made such as to previouslycomprehend the relation between the rotational phase of the sunindicator 30 and the rotational phase of the counter annular threadedsection 46 in the first assembly 91 (the second assembly 92), and therelation between the rotational phase of the annular indicator 20 andthe rotational phase of the annular threaded section 24 in the ringshaft main body 21. Accordingly, it is possible to set the rotationalphase of the annular threaded section 24 by assuming that the rotationalphase of the sun indicator 30 is the rotational phase of the counterannular threaded section 46 and assuming that the rotational phase ofthe annular indicator 20 is the rotational phase of the annular threadedsection 24. In other words, it is possible to set the rotational phaseof the annular threaded section 24 to the annular threaded sectionreference phase RB based on the relation between the rotational phase ofthe sun indicator 30 and the rotational phase of the annular indicator20.

In the process P, the third assembly 93 is specifically assembledthrough the following operations (a) to (e).

(a) The ring shaft main body 21 is arranged at a position in which thecenter line of the sun shaft main body 31 is aligned with its own centerline in the rear of the second assembly 92.

(b) The rotational phase of the annular threaded section 24 is set tothe annular threaded section reference phase RB based on the relationbetween the rotational phase of the sun indicator 30 and the rotationalphase of the annular indicator 20.

(c) Each of the planetary threaded sections 44 (the counter annularthreaded section 46) is engaged with the annular threaded section 24 bymoving the ring shaft main body 21 in parallel along the center line ina state of keeping the ring shaft main body 21 in an attitude setthrough the works (a) and (b) mentioned above.

(d) The ring shaft main body 21 is fastened until the relative positionin the axial direction of the ring shaft main body 21 with respect tothe sun shaft main body 31 comes to a predetermined position.

(e) The front ring gear 22 is fixed to the ring shaft main body 21 bypress fitting the front ring gear 22 to the main body gear portion 21B.

[process Q (FIG. 28)] The process assembles an assembly (gear assembly99 (gear assembly)) formed by a combination of the rear ring gear 23,the rear sun gear 33 and each of the rear planetary gears 43 in a secondassembled state. In this case, the second assembled state means a statewhere the rear planetary gears 43 arranged at a uniform interval aroundthe rear sun gear 33 are engaged with the rear ring gear 23 and the rearsun gear 33, in a state where a relation between the rotational phase ofthe rear ring gear 23 and the rotational phase of the rear sun gear 33is in a specific relation. Further, the specific relation means arelation between the rotational phase of the rear ring gear 23 and therotational phase of the rear sun gear 33 which is set on design.

In the process Q, the gear assembly 99 is assembled by attaching therear ring gear 23, the rear sun gear 33 and each of the rear planetarygears 43 to a gear jig 8.

A description will be given of a structure of the gear jig 8 withreference to FIGS. 29 and 30.

The gear jig 8 is structured such as to be provided with a jig main body81 and a plurality of support columns 82. The support columns 82 arearranged so as to be spaced at a fixed interval in a circumferentialdirection. A space (gear arrangement portion 83) for arranging one rearplanetary gear 43 is formed between the adjacent support columns 82. Thegear arrangement portions 83 are formed at the same number as the numberof the planetary shafts 4 provided in the conversion mechanism 1.

A tooth (counter annular outer teeth 84) engaging with the rear ringgear 23 is formed in an outer peripheral side of each of the supportcolumns 82. Further, one gear (counter annular gear 85) having adiscontinuous shape is formed by the counter annular outer teeth 84 ofthe support columns 82. In other words, on the assumption that the gearwith a continuous shape having the counter annular outer teeth 84 is acounter annular basic gear, the counter annular gear 85 corresponds to agear having a shape obtained by removing part of the counter annularbasic gear at a fixed interval over a plurality of positions.

A gear (counter annular gear 86) engaging with the rear ring gear 23 isformed in an outer peripheral side of the jig main body 81. The counterannular gear 86 is formed as a gear having the same rotational phase asthe counter annular gear 85 and having a continuous shape. In otherwords, it corresponds to a gear in which the discontinuous portions inthe counter annular gear 85 are connected by the counter annular outerteeth 84.

Teeth (counter sun internal teeth 87) engaging with the rear sun gear 33are formed in an inner peripheral side of each of the support columns82. Further, one gear (counter sun gear 88) having a discontinuous shapeis formed by the counter sun internal teeth 87 of the support columns82. In other words, on the assumption that a gear with a continuousshape having the counter sun internal teeth 87 is a counter sun basicgear, the counter sun gear 88 corresponds to a gear having a shapeobtained by removing part of the counter sun basic gear at a fixedinterval over a plurality of positions.

A gear (counter sun gear 89) engaging with the rear sun gear 33 isformed in an inner peripheral side of the jig main body 81. The countersun gear 89 is formed as a gear having the same rotational phase as thecounter sun gear 88 and having a continuous shape. In other words, itcorresponds to a gear in which the discontinuous portions in the countersun gear 88 are connected by the counter sun internal teeth 87.

In the gear jig 8, since the counter annular gear 85 is formed as thegear having the discontinuous shape, the rear ring gear 23 and the rearplanetary gear 43 are engaged with each other in the discontinuousportion of the counter annular gear 85, at a time of arranging the rearplanetary gear 43 in the gear arrangement portion 83 in a state in whichthe rear ring gear 23 is engaged with the counter annular gear 85.Further, since the counter sun gear 88 is formed as the gear having thediscontinuous shape, the rear sun gear 33 and the rear planetary gear 43are engaged with each other in the discontinuous portion of the countersun gear 88, at a time of arranging the rear planetary gear 43 in thegear arrangement portion 83 in a state in which the rear sun gear 33 isengaged with the counter sun gear 88.

In the gear jig 8, a relation between the rotational phase of thecounter annular gear 85 and the counter annular gear 86 and therotational phase of the counter sun gear 88 and the counter sun gear 89is set to a specific relation in the second assembled state of the gearassembly 99.

A notch (jig indicator 80) is formed as an indicator for comprehendingthe rotational phases of the counter annular gears 85 and 86 and thecounter sun gears 88 and 89. The counter annular gears 85 and 86 and thecounter sun gears 88 and 89 are formed based on the jig indicator 80.

In the process Q, the following operations (a) to (c) are specificallycarried out as a work for assembling the gear assembly 99 and a workgoing along therewith.

(a) The process engages the rear ring gear 23 with the counter annulargears 85 and 86 of the gear jig 8.

(b) The process engages the rear sun gear 33 with the counter sun gears88 and 89 of the gear jig 8.

(c) The process arranges each of the rear planetary gears 43 in the geararrangement portion 83 in a state in which the rear ring gear 23 and therear sun gear 33 are attached to the gear jig 8. At this time, each ofthe rear planetary gears 43 engages with the rear ring gear 23 and therear sun gear 33.

The gear assembly 99 is assembled in a state in which the center line ofthe rear ring gear 23 is aligned with the center line of the rear sungear 33, and in a state in which the center line of each of the rearplanetary gears 43 becomes parallel to the center line of the rear sungear 33, through the works mentioned above.

[process R (FIG. 31)] The process detaches the retainer 65 from thethird assembly 93. In this connection, since the conversion mechanism 1employs the structure of constraining the position in the radialdirection of each of the planetary shafts 4 through the engagement ofthe threaded sections and the gears, the retainer 65 is detached fromeach of the planetary shaft main bodies 41 before assembling the rearplanetary gear 43 in each of the planetary shaft main body 41.

[process S (FIG. 32)] The process assembles an assembly (fourth assembly94 (geared assembly)) of the third assembly 93 and the gear assembly 99.In other words, the fourth assembly 94 is assembled by assembling thegear assembly 99 with respect to the third assembly 93.

In this case, with regard to the rotational phases of the third assembly93 and the gear assembly 99, it is assumed that the rotational phase ofthe third assembly 93 coincides with the rotational phase of the gearassembly 99 in the state where the center line of each of the planetaryshaft main bodies 41 of the third assembly 93 is aligned with the centerline of each of the rear planetary gears 43 of the gear assembly 99. Inother words, it is assumed that there is no difference (assemblyrotational phase difference) of the relative rotational phases betweenthe third assembly 93 and the gear assembly 99. Further, an assemblyreference phase RC is set to the rotational phase of the gear assembly99 with respect to the rotational phase of the third assembly 93 in thestate where the assembly rotational phase difference does not exist.

In a process S, the rotational phase of the gear assembly 99 is set tothe assembly reference phase RC before assembling the third assembly 93.Accordingly, since it is possible to combine the gear assembly 99 withthe third assembly 93 by moving the gear assembly 99 in parallel alongthe center line, in the state where the center line of the gear assembly99 (the rear sun gear 33) is aligned with the center line of the sunshaft main body 31 of the third assembly 93, it is possible to achievean improvement of a working efficiency for assembling the fourthassembly 94.

In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, sincethe third assembly 93 is assembled through the combination between thesecond assembly 92 and the ring shaft main body 21 based on the relationbetween the sun indicator 30 of the sun shaft main body 31 and theannular indicator 20 of the ring shaft main body 21, a relation betweenthe rotational phase of the annular indicator 20 and the circumferentialregular position XR of each of the planetary shaft main bodies 41 alwayscomes to a fixed relation. Accordingly, it is possible to set therotational phase of the gear assembly 99 on the assumption that therotational phase of the annular indicator 20 is the rotational phase ofthe third assembly 93 (the circumferential regular position XR of eachof the planetary shaft main body 41), by previously comprehending therelation between the rotational phase of the annular indicator 20 in thethird assembly 93 and the circumferential regular position XR of each ofthe planetary shaft main bodies 41. In other words, it is possible toset the rotational phase of the gear assembly 99 to the assemblyreference phase RC based on the relation between the rotational phase ofthe annular indicator 20 and the rotational phase of the jig indicator80.

In the process S, the fourth assembly 94 is specifically assembledthrough the following operations (a) to (f).

(a) The process moves the gear jig 8 to a position in which the centerlines of the rear ring gear 23 and the rear sun gear 33 are aligned withthe center line of the ring shaft main body 21 of the third assembly 93in the rear of the third assembly 93. The rear ring gear 23 and the rearsun gear 33 are held in an aligned attitude and each of the rearplanetary gears 43 is held in a parallel attitude, through the work.

(b) The process sets the rotational phase of the gear assembly 99 to theassembly reference phase RC based on the relation between the rotationalphase of the annular indicator 20 and the rotational phase of the jigindicator 80.

(c) The process moves the gear jig 8 to the third assembly 93 side alongthe center line of the sun shaft main body 31.

(d) The process attaches each of the rear planetary gears 43 of the gearassembly 99 to the rear shaft 41R of the corresponding planetary shaftmain body 41.

(e) The process pressure inserts the rear ring gear 23 into the ringshaft main body 21 after fitting the rear ring gear 23 to the main bodygear portion 21C of the ring shaft main body 21.

(f) The process pressure inserts the rear sun gear 33 into the sun shaftmain body 31 after fitting the rear sun gear 33 to the main body gearportion 31C of the sun shaft main body 31.

[process T (FIG. 33)] The process assembles an assembly (the conversionmechanism 1) formed by a combination of the fourth assembly 94, thefront collar 51 and the rear collar 52. In other words, the processassembles the conversion mechanism 1 by assembling the front collar 51and the rear collar 52 with respect to the fourth assembly 94.Specifically, the process assembles the conversion mechanism 1 throughthe following operations (a) and (b).

(a) The process attaches the front collar 51 to the main body gearportion 21B of the ring shaft main body 21 after installing the O-ring53 to the front collar 51.

(b) The process attaches the rear collar 52 to the main body gearportion 21C of the ring shaft main body 21 after installing the O-ring53 to the rear collar 52.

Effect of Embodiment

As mentioned above in detail, according to the method for manufacturingthe conversion mechanism in this embodiment, the effects shown below canbe obtained.

(1) In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, thesun shaft main body 31 is combined with the planetary shaft main body 41after setting the planetary shaft main body 41 to circumferentialregular position XR, the axial regular position XS and the planetaryshaft regular phase XP. Accordingly, since the front planetary gear 42is accurately engaged with the front sun gear 32 and the planetarythreaded section 44 is accurately engaged with the sun threaded section34 at a time of assembling the first assembly 91, it is possible toachieve an improvement of a working efficiency for manufacturing theconversion mechanism 1.

(2) Further, since the front sun gear 32 is engaged with each of thefront planetary gears 42 in the rotational phase set on the design, andthe sun threaded section 34 is engaged with each of the planetarythreaded sections 44 in the rotational phase set on the design, throughthe structure (1) mentioned above, it is possible to inhibit aconversion efficiency from the rotational motion to the rectilinearmotion in the conversion mechanism 1 from being lowered.

(3) In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, thesecond assembly 92 is assembled after setting the rotational phase ofthe front ring gear 22 to the annular gear reference phase RA.Accordingly, since the front ring gear 22 is accurately engaged with thecounter ring gear 45 at a time of assembling the second assembly 92, itis possible to achieve an improvement of a working efficiency formanufacturing the conversion mechanism 1.

(4) Further, since the front ring gear 22 is engaged with the counterring gear 45 in the rotational phase set on the design, through thestructure (3) mentioned above, it is possible to inhibit the conversionefficiency from the rotational motion to the rectilinear motion in theconversion mechanism 1 from being lowered.

(5) In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, thethird assembly 93 is assembled after setting the rotational phase of thering shaft main body 21 (the annular threaded section 24) to the annularthreaded section reference phase RB. Accordingly, since the annular gear24 is accurately engaged with the counter annular threaded section 46 ata time of assembling the third assembly 93, it is possible to achieve animprovement of the working efficiency for manufacturing the conversionmechanism 1.

(6) Further, since the annular threaded section 24 are engaged with thecounter annular threaded section 46 in the rotational phase set on thedesign, through the structure (5) mentioned above, it is possible toinhibit the conversion efficiency from the rotational motion to therectilinear motion in the conversion mechanism 1 from being lowered.

(7) In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, thegear assembly 99 is assembled through the gear jig 8. Accordingly, sinceit is not necessary to take into consideration the relation of therotational phase between the gears at a time of engaging the rear ringgear 23, the rear sun gear 33 and each of the rear planetary gears 43with each other, it is possible to achieve an improvement of the workingefficiency for manufacturing the conversion mechanism 1.

(8) Further, since the rear ring gear 23 and the rear sun gear 33 areengaged with each of the rear planetary gears 43 in the rotational phaseset on the design, through the structure (7) mentioned above, it ispossible to inhibit the conversion efficiency from the rotational motionto the rectilinear motion in the conversion mechanism 1 from beinglowered.

(9) In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, thefourth assembly 94 is assembled after setting the rotational phase ofthe gear assembly 99 to the assembly reference phase RC. Accordingly,since each of the rear planetary gears 43 is accurately engaged with theplanetary shaft main body 41 at a time of assembling the fourth assembly94, it is possible to achieve an improvement of the working efficiencyfor manufacturing the conversion mechanism 1.

(10) In accordance with the manufacturing method of the presentembodiment, the conversion mechanism 1 is assembled through thestructures (1), (3), (5), (7) and (9) mentioned above. Accordingly,since it is possible to inhibit an interruption of the assemblingprocess or the like caused by inaccurate assembling of the constituentelements from being generated while the conversion mechanism 1 isassembled, it is possible to achieve an improvement of the assemblyefficiency.

(11) In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment,the axial relative position MS is set to the axial regular position XSby abutting the front distal end portion 41T of the planetary shaft mainbody 41 against the jig end surface 61F of the first jig 61.Accordingly, since it is not necessary to take into consideration apositional relation between the sun shaft main body 31 and the planetaryshaft main body 41 at a time of setting the axial regular position XS,it is possible to achieve an improvement of the labor efficiency formanufacturing the conversion mechanism 1.

(12) Further, since the axial relative position MS is set to the axialregular position XS, through the structure (11) mentioned above, it ispossible to accurately engage the threaded sections and the gears at atime of assembling the first assembly 91.

(13) In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment,the rotational phase of the annular threaded section 24 can becomprehended from the annular indicator 20 by forming the annularthreaded section 24 of the ring shaft main body 21 based on the annularindicator 20. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve an improvement inthe labor efficiency for manufacturing the conversion mechanism 1.

(14) In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment,the rotational phase of the sun threaded section 34 can be comprehendedfrom the sun indicator 30 by forming the sun threaded section 34 of thesun shaft main body 31 based on the sun indicator 30. Accordingly, it ispossible to achieve an improvement of the labor efficiency formanufacturing the conversion mechanism 1.

(15) In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment,the rotational phase of the gear assembly 99 can be comprehended fromthe jig indicator 80 by forming the jig indicator 80 in the gear jig 8.Accordingly, it is possible to achieve an improvement of the laborefficiency for manufacturing the conversion mechanism 1.

(16) In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment,the ring indicator 20 is formed in the flange 25 of the ring shaft mainbody 21. Accordingly, since it is possible to accurately recognize theannular indicator 20 at a time of assembling the constituent elements,it is possible to more accurately join the constituent elements based onthe rotational phase of the annular indicator 20.

(17) In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment,the sun indicator 30 is formed in the front distal end portion 41T ofthe sun shaft main body 31. Accordingly, since it is possible toaccurately recognize the sun indicator 30 at a time of assembling theconstituent elements, it is possible to more accurately join theconstituent elements based on the rotational phase of the sun indicator30.

(18) In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment,the jig indicator 80 is formed in the outer peripheral side of the jigmain body 81 of the gear jig 8. Accordingly, since it is possible toaccurately recognize the jig indicator 80 at a time of assembling theconstituent elements, it is possible to more accurately join theconstituent elements based on the rotational phase of the jig indicator80.

(19) In the conversion mechanism 1, since physical constitution of theplanetary shaft main body 41 becomes comparatively small, there is acase that it becomes hard to form the indicator for comprehending itsown rotational phase in the same manner as the ring shaft main body 21and the sun shaft main body 31 in the planetary shaft main body 41.Further, even if the indicator mentioned above is formed, there isassumed that it becomes hard to accurately recognize the indicator at atime of assembling the constituent elements. In this regard, in themanufacturing method according to the present embodiment, since therotational phase of the planetary shaft main body 41 is comprehendedthrough the threaded jig 7, it is possible to accurately comprehend therotational phase of the planetary shaft main body 41 regardless of thephysical constitution of the planetary shaft main body 41.

Modification of Embodiment

The above-described first embodiment may be modified, for example, asdescribed below.

In the first embodiment mentioned above, the planetary shaft relativephase MP is set to the planetary shaft regular phase XP based on therelation between the rotational phase of the sun indicator 30 and theplanetary shaft reference phase BP, however, the method for setting theplanetary shaft relative phase MP to the planetary shaft regular phaseXP may be changed, for example, as follows. In other words, the lengthof the internally threaded section 73 of each of the threaded jigs 7 maybe set to a different length in such a manner that the planetary shaftrelative phase MP of each of the planetary shaft main bodies 41 comes tothe planetary shaft regular phase XP, in the state where the planetaryshaft main body 41 is fastened to each of the threaded jigs 7. In thiscase, the position of the threaded jig 7 is previously set with respectto the sun shaft main body 31, in such a manner that the planetary shaftrelative phase MP comes to the planetary shaft regular phase XP at atime of fastening the planetary shaft main body 41 to the threaded jig7. In accordance with the structure mentioned above, since the planetaryshaft relative phase MP is set to the planetary shaft regular phase XPby attaching the planetary shaft main body 41 to the threaded jig 7, itis possible to achieve an improvement of the working efficiency forassembling the conversion mechanism 1.

In the first embodiment mentioned above, there is employed the threadedjig 7 structured such that the planetary shaft main body 41 can befastened until the main body threaded portion 41A abuts part of thethreaded jig 7, however, the structure of the threaded jig 7 may bemodified as follows. In other words, it is possible to change to thestructure in which the planetary shaft main body 41 can be fasteneduntil the rear shaft 41R abuts part of the threaded jig 7. In this case,a hole closed in a bottom portion side of the threaded jig 7 throughpart of the first divided body 71 and the second divided body 72 isprovided as a space for inserting the rear shaft 41R, in place of theinsertion hole 74.

In the first embodiment mentioned above, the second assembly 92 isassembled by combining the front ring gear 22 with respect to the firstassembly 91, however, the process to the assembling of the thirdassembly 93 may be changed as follows. In other words, after assemblingan assembly formed by a combination of the first assembly 91 and thering shaft main body 21, the third assembly 93 may be assembled with thecombination of the assembly and the front ring gear 22.

A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

The first embodiment employs the method of setting the planetary shaftrelative phase MP to the planetary shaft regular phase XP through thethreaded jig 7, with regard to each of the planetary shaft main bodies41. On the contrary, in the present embodiment, there is employed amethod that the planetary shaft relative phase MP can be set to theplanetary shaft regular phase XP without using any threaded jig 7. Inthis case, in the manufacturing method according to the presentembodiment, the same structures as those of the manufacturing methodaccording to the first embodiment are employed except the structuresdescribed blow.

<Method for Manufacturing Rotational Rectilinear Motion ConversionMechanism>

The manufacturing method according to the present embodiment correspondsto a manufacturing method obtained by adding the following change to themanufacturing method according to the first embodiment.

[process HX] is carried out after [process H].

[process K] and [process L] are omitted.

[process L] is changed to the following contents.

A description will be given below of detailed contents of the changedpoint.

[process HX (FIG. 34)] The process forms an indicator (planetaryindicator 40) for comprehending the rotational phases of the frontplanetary gear 42 and the planetary threaded section 44 in each of theplanetary shaft main bodies 41. Specifically, the process forms one of aplurality of teeth provided in the front planetary gear 42 in adifferent shape from the other teeth (standard teeth), and employs thetooth (the different formed tooth) having the different shape as theplanetary indicator 40. Accordingly, the front planetary gear 42 afterpassing through the process has a plurality of standard teeth having thesame shape, and one different formed tooth having the different shapefrom the standard teeth.

In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, sincethe front planetary gear 42 and the planetary threaded section 44 aresimultaneously rolled through the previous process H, the rotationalphase of the planetary indicator 40 is set in a fixed relation to therotational phases of the front planetary gear 42 and the planetarythreaded section 44. Accordingly, it is possible to comprehend therotational phases of the front planetary gear 42 and the planetarythreaded section 44 based on the planetary indicator 40.

[process L] The process sets the planetary shaft relative phase MP tothe planetary shaft regular phase XP by the relation between therotational phase of the sun indicator 30 and the rotational phase of theplanetary indicator 40. Specifically, the planetary shaft relative phaseMP is set to the planetary shaft regular phase XP by comprehending adifference between the rotational phase of the planetary indicator 40and the planetary shaft regular phase XP based on a comparison betweenthe rotational phase of the sun indicator 30 and the rotational phase ofthe planetary indicator 40, and rotating the planetary shaft main body41 in such a manner that the relative rotational phase difference runsshort.

Effects of the Embodiment

As mentioned above in detail, according to the method for manufacturingthe rotational rectilinear motion conversion mechanism of the secondembodiment, the following effect can be obtained in addition to theeffects (1) to (18) according to the previous first embodiment.

(20) In accordance with the manufacturing method of the presentembodiment, since it is possible to set the planetary shaft relativephase MP to the planetary shaft regular phase XP without using anythreaded jig 7, it is possible to reduce cost of the threaded jig 7 andlabor hours required for management.

Modification of Embodiment

The second embodiment may be modified, for example, as described below.

In the second embodiment mentioned above, the threading method of thefront planetary gear 42 and the planetary threaded section 44 may bechanged, for example, as follows. In other words, it is possible toemploy a method of forming a groove as the planetary indicator 40 in thebasic planetary shaft main body before threading, and thereaftersimultaneously threading the front planetary gear 42 and the planetarythreaded section 44 based on the planetary indicator 40, or a method ofseparately threading the front planetary gear 42 and the planetarythreaded section 44 based on the planetary indicator 40.

A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

In the first embodiment, the third assembly 93 is assembled by combiningthe sun shaft main body 31 and the planetary shaft main body 41 so as toassemble the first assembly 91, and thereafter combining the front ringgear 22 and the ring shaft main body 21 with the first assembly 91. Onthe contrary, in the present embodiment, the third assembly 93 isassembled by forming an assembly of a combination of the ring shaft mainbody 21 and the planetary shaft main body 41, and thereafter combiningthe sun shaft main body 31 and the front sun gear 32 with respect to theassembly. In this case, in the manufacturing method according to thepresent embodiment, there are employed the same structures as themanufacturing method according to the first embodiment except thestructures described below.

<Structure of Rotational Rectilinear Motion Conversion Mechanism>

The structure of the rotational rectilinear motion conversion mechanism1 according to the present embodiment is different from the rotationalrectilinear motion conversion mechanism according to the firstembodiment in the following points.

The front ring gear 22 is integrally formed with the ring shaft mainbody 21.

The front sun gear 32 is formed separately from the sun shaft main body31.

The sun shaft main body 31 is structured such that the front sun gear 32can be attached to the main body gear portion 31B from the front of thesun shaft main body 31. In other words, a portion of the sun shaft mainbody 31 is formed separately from the sun shaft main body 31, theportion being interfered with the front sun gear 32 at a time of movingthe front sun gear 32 from the front to the rear on the sun shaft mainbody 31. In this case, these separately formed elements are assembled toa specified position on the sun shaft main body 31 after the front sungear 32 is assembled in the main body gear portion 31B.

<Method for Manufacturing Rotational Rectilinear Motion ConversionMechanism>

The method for manufacturing the rotational rectilinear motionconversion mechanism 1 according to the present embodiment is differentfrom the method for manufacturing the rotational rectilinear motionconversion mechanism according to the first embodiment in the followingpoints.

[process J (FIG. 35)] The ring shaft main body 21 is attached to a thirdjig 66.

The third jig 66 is structured such that the ring shaft main body 21 canbe fixed in a state in which the ring shaft main body 21 is inserted toa bearing hole 66H. Further, it is structured such that the front distalend portion 41T can be brought into contact with a jig end surface 66Fat a time of arranging the planetary shaft main body 41 so as to bespaced at a fixed interval in a radial direction in an inner peripheralside with respect to the ring shaft main body 21.

[process K] The rotational phase with respect to the threaded jig 7 isset to the identical rotational phase in all the planetary shaft mainbodies 41 by attaching each of the planetary shaft main bodies 41 to thethreaded jig 7, as a preparation for assembling an assembly (fifthassembly 95) formed by a combination between the ring shaft main body 21in the third assembled state and the planetary shaft main body 41. Inthis case, the third assembled state means a state where the engagementbetween the front ring gear 22 and each of the front planetary gears 42and the engagement between the annular threaded section 24 and each ofthe planetary threaded sections 44 are obtained in the state where theplanetary shaft main bodies 41 are arranged at a uniform interval aroundthe center line of the ring shaft main body 21.

[process L (FIG. 36)] The process assembles a fifth assembly 95. Inother words, the fifth assembly 95 is assembled by engaging the frontring gear 22 of the ring shaft main body 21 and the annular threadedsection 24, and the front planetary gear 42 of each of the planetaryshaft main bodies 41 and the planetary threaded section 44 with eachother.

In this case, as a factor indicating the relation of the planetary shaftmain body 41 with respect to the ring shaft main body 21,“circumferential relative position MR”, “radial relative position ML”,“axial relative position MS” and “planetary shaft relative phase MP” arerespectively defined as follows.

A circumferential relative position MR is defined by a position in acircumferential direction of the planetary shaft main body 41 withrespect to the ring shaft main body 21.

A radial relative position ML is defined by a position in a radialdirection of the planetary shaft main body 41 with respect to the ringshaft main body 21.

An axial relative position MS is defined by a position in an axialdirection of the planetary shaft main body 41 with respect to the ringshaft main body 21.

A planetary shaft relative phase MP is defined by the rotational phaseof the planetary shaft main body 41 with respect to the rotational phaseof the ring shaft main body 21.

Further, “circumferential relative position MR”, “radial relativeposition ML”, “axial relative position MS” and “planetary shaft relativephase MP” in the fifth assembly 95 are respectively defined as follows.

A circumferential regular position XR is defined by the circumferentialrelative position MR in the fifth assembly 95.

A radial regular position XL is defined by the radial relative positionML in the fifth assembly 95.

An axial regular position XS is defined by the axial relative positionMS in the fifth assembly 95.

A planetary shaft regular phase XP is defined by the planetary shaftrelative phase MP in the fifth assembly 95.

In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, thecircumferential relative position MR, the radial relative position ML,the axial relative position MS and the planetary shaft relative phase MPof each of the planetary shaft main bodies 41 are respectively setthrough the following methods (A) to (D), at a time of assembling thering shaft main body 21 and each of the planetary shaft main bodies 41.

(A) The circumferential relative position MR can be set to thecircumferential regular position XR based on the rotational phase of theannular indicator 20 by previously comprehending a correspondingrelation between the rotational phase of the annular indicator 20 of thering shaft main body 21 and the circumferential regular position XR.

(B) The radial relative position ML can be set to the radial regularposition XL by abutting the planetary shaft main body 41 against thering shaft main body 21 from the radial direction in the innerperipheral side.

(C) The axial relative position MS can be set to the axial regularposition XS based on the position of the front distal end portion 41T bypreviously comprehending a corresponding relation between the ring shaftmain body 21 and the front race side distal end portion 41T of theplanetary shaft main body 41 at the axial regular position XS.

(D) The planetary shaft relative phase MP can be set to the planetaryshaft regular phase XP based on the rotational phase of the annularindicator 20 by previously comprehending a corresponding relationbetween the rotational phase of the annular indicator 20 of the ringshaft main body 21 and the planetary shaft regular phase XP.Specifically, the setting of the planetary shaft regular phase XP basedon the annular indicator 20 is achieved as follows.

In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, arelation between the rotational phase of the annular indicator 20 andthe rotational phase of the annular threaded section 24 always comes toa fixed relation by forming the annular threaded section 24 based on theannular indicator 20 of the ring shaft main body 21. Further, therelation between the rotational phase of the annular indicator 20 andthe rotational phase of the annular threaded section 24 is previouslycomprehended. Further, the rotational phase (planetary shaft referencephase BP) of the planetary shaft main body 41 is previously comprehendedwith respect to the rotational phase of the ring shaft main body 21 at atime of fastening the planetary shaft main body 41 to the threaded jig 7in a state in which the center line of the ring shaft main body 21becomes parallel to the center line of the internally threaded section73 (the planetary shaft main body 41) of the threaded jig 7.

Accordingly, since it is possible to set the relation between therotational phase of the annular threaded section 24 and the rotationalphase of the planetary shaft main body 41 on the assumption that therotational phase of the annular indicator 20 is the rotational phase ofthe annular threaded section 24, it is possible to set the planetaryshaft relative phase MP to the planetary shaft regular phase XP based onthe rotational phase of the annular indicator 20 and the planetary shaftreference phase BP. In other words, it is possible to set the planetaryshaft relative phase MP to the planetary shaft regular phase XP based onthe rotational phase of the annular indicator 20 by attaching theplanetary shaft main body 41 to the threaded jig 7 so as to index theplanetary shaft reference phase BP.

In the process L, the fifth assembly 95 is specifically assembled inaccordance with the following [process L] to [process L].

Prior to a description of each of the assembling procedures, adescription will be given of “reference plane VP”, “reference line VL”and “reference position VR”.

(a) A plane which is orthogonal to the center line of the ring shaftmain body 21 is set to a reference plane VP.

(b) A point on the reference plane VP is set to a first reference pointPA, in the center line of the ring shaft main body 21.

(c) A point on the reference plate VP is set to a second reference pointPB, in the center line of the planetary shaft main body 41 positioned atthe circumferential regular position XR.

(d) A line passing through the first reference point PA and the secondreference point PB is set to a reference line VL on the reference planeVP.

(e) A position except the radial regular position XL in the position inwhich its own center line is orthogonal to the reference line VL is setto a reference position VR, in the planetary shaft main body 41. Inother words, the reference position VR corresponds to a position inwhich the circumferential relative position MR is the circumferentialregular position XR and the radial relative position ML is not theradial regular position XL.

A description will be given of an assembling procedure for the fifthassembly 95. In this case, the processes L1 to L5 show an assemblingprocedure of one planetary shaft main body 41.

[process L] The planetary shaft main body 41 is detached from thethreaded jig 7 by dividing the threaded jig 7. At this time, theplanetary shaft main body 41 is in a state where its own center linebecomes parallel to the center line of the sun shaft main body 31.

[process L] The planetary shaft main body 41 is arranged in thereference position VR based on the rotational phase of the annularindicator 20. In other words, the planetary shaft main body 41 is movedto a position (reference position VR) in which its own center lineintersects the reference line VL obtained by the second reference pointPB and the first reference point PA of its own circumferential regularposition XR. At this time, the planetary shaft main body 41 is moved ina state of keeping the relation to the rotational phase of the ringshaft main body 21 (the annular indicator 20). Further, the referenceposition VR selects a position at which the front distal end portion 41Tcan be struck against the jig end surface 66F of the third jig 66 at atime of moving in parallel the planetary shaft main body 41 along thecenter line.

[process L] The planetary shaft relative phase MP is set to theplanetary shaft regular phase XP based on the rotational phase of theannular indicator 20. Specifically, the planetary shaft relative phaseMP is set to the planetary shaft regular phase XP by rotating theplanetary shaft main body 41 in such a manner that a difference of therelative rotational phases runs short, after comprehending thedifference between the planetary reference phase BP and the planetaryshaft regular phase XP based on a comparison between the rotationalphase of the annular indicator 20 and the planetary shaft referencephase BP.

[process L] The axial relative position MS is set to the axial regularposition XS by moving the planetary shaft main body 41 in parallel alongthe center line so as to abut the front distal end portion 41T againstthe jig end surface 66F.

[process L] The radial relative position ML is set to the radial regularposition XL by moving the planetary shaft main body 41 in parallel so asto abut against the ring shaft main body 21 in the state where thecenter line of the planetary shaft main body 41 becomes parallel to thecenter line of the ring shaft main body 21. Specifically, the planetaryshaft main body 41 is moved in parallel from the reference position VRto the radial regular position XL in such a manner that a locus of thecenter line (the second reference point PB) of the planetary shaft mainbody 41 on the reference plane VP is aligned with the reference line VL.At this time, since the planetary shaft main body 41 is arranged at theradial regular position XL in a state in which the planetary shaft mainbody 41 is set to the circumferential regular position XR, the axialregular position XS and the planetary shaft regular phase XP, it ispossible to simultaneously obtain the engagement between the frontplanetary gear 42 and the front ring gear 22 and the engagement betweenthe planetary threaded section 44 and the annular threaded section 24.

[process M (FIG. 37)] The jig attached to the fifth assembly 95 ischanged from the third jig 66 to a fourth jig 67.

The fourth jig 67 is structured such as to be provided with an annularjig 68 for fixing the ring shaft main body 21 and a planetary jig 69 forsupporting the front shaft 41F of the planetary shaft main body 41. Inother words, the same number of planetary jigs 69 as the number of theplanetary shafts 4 provided in the conversion mechanism 1 are integrallyformed with the annular jig 68.

The annular jig 68 is structured such that its own center line (centerline of a support hole 68H) is aligned with the center line of the ringshaft main body 21 in a state in which the ring shaft main body 21 isinserted to the support hole 68H. Further, the structure is made suchthat its own center line is aligned with the center line of the sunshaft main body 31 in a state in which the sun shaft main body 31 isinserted to a bearing hole 68S. Each of the planetary jigs 69 isstructured such that their center lines are spaced at a uniform intervalaround the center line of the bearing hole 68H. The annular jig 68 andeach of the planetary jigs 69 are structured such that their centerlines become in parallel to each other. A hole (support hole 69H)corresponding to a shape of the front shaft 41F of the planetary shaftmain body 41 is formed in a distal end portion of each of the planetaryjigs 69.

In the process M, the fifth assembly 95 is specifically attached to thefourth jig 67 through the following operations (a) to (c).

(a) The fifth assembly 95 is detached from the third jig 66 in a stateof keeping the relation between the ring shaft main body 21 and each ofthe planetary shaft main bodies 41 in the fifth assembly 95.

(b) The fifth assembly 95 is moved to the position in which the centerline of the fourth jig 67 is aligned with the center line of the ringshaft main body 21, and the position in which the center line of theplanetary jig 69 is aligned with the center line of the planetary shaftmain body 41.

(c) The fifth assembly 95 is attached to the fourth jig 67 by moving thefifth assembly 95 in parallel along the center line. In other words, thering shaft main body 21 is inserted to the support hole 68H and thefront shaft 41F of each of the planetary shaft main bodies 41 is fittedto the support hole 69H of the corresponding planetary jig 69.

[process N] The retainer 65 is installed to each of the planetary shaftmain bodies 41 of the fifth assembly 95.

[process O (FIG. 38)] The process assembles an assembly (sixth assembly96) formed by a combination of the fifth assembly 95 and the sun shaftmain body 31. In other words, the sixth assembly 96 is assembled byengaging each of the planetary threaded sections 44 of the fifthassembly 95 with the sun threaded section 34 of the sun shaft main body31. As mentioned above, in the fifth assembly 95, since it is possibleto engage each of the planetary threaded sections 44 with the sunthreaded section 34, it is possible to assume that one externallythreaded section having a discontinuous thread ridge is formed by theseplanetary threaded sections 44. In the following description, oneexternally threaded section formed by the planetary threaded sections 44and engaging with the sun threaded section 34 is set as a counter sunthreaded section 47.

In this case, with regard to rotational phases of the counter sunthreaded section 47 and the sun threaded section 34, the rotationalphase of the counter sun threaded section 47 coincides with therotational phase of the sun threaded section 34 in a state in which thesun threaded section 34 begins to be engaged with the counter sunthreaded section 47. In other words, it is assumed that a differencebetween the relative rotational phases is not generated between thecounter sun threaded section 47 and the sun threaded section 34.Further, a sun threaded section reference phase RD is set to therotational phase of the sun threaded section 34 with respect to therotational phase of the counter sun threaded section 47 in a state inwhich the sun threaded section rotational phase difference is notgenerated.

In the process O, the rotational phase of the sun threaded section 34(the sun shaft main body 31) is set to the sun threaded sectionreference phase RD before assembling the sixth assembly 96. Accordingly,since it is possible to engage the counter sun threaded section 47 withthe sun threaded section 34 by moving the sun shaft main body 31 inparallel along the center line, in the state where the center line ofthe sun shaft main body 31 is aligned with the center line of the ringshaft main body 21 of the fifth assembly 95, it is possible to achievean improvement in labor efficiency for assembling the sixth assembly 96.

In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, sincethe fifth assembly 95 is assembled through the combination of the ringshaft main body 21 and the planetary shaft main body 41 based on theannular indicator 20 of the ring shaft main body 21, the relationbetween the rotational phase of the annular indicator 20 and therotational phase of the counter sun threaded section 47 always comes toa fixed relation. Further, since the sun threaded section 34 is formedbased on the sun indicator 30 of the sun shaft main body 31, therelation between the rotational phase of the sun indicator 30 and therotational phase of the sun threaded section 34 always comes to a fixedrelation. Accordingly, the structure is made such as to previouslycomprehend the relation between the rotational phase of the annularindicator 20 and the rotational phase of the counter sun threadedsection 47 in the fifth assembly 95, and the relation between therotational phase of the sun indicator 30 and the rotational phase of thesun threaded section 34 in the sun shaft main body 31. Therefore, it ispossible to set the rotational phase of the sun threaded section 34 onthe assumption that the rotational phase of the annular indicator 20 isthe rotational phase of the counter sun threaded section 47, and therotational phase of the sun indicator 30 is the rotational phase of thesun threaded section 34. In other words, it is possible to set therotational phase of the sun threaded section 34 to the sun threadedsection reference phase RD based on the relation between the rotationalphase of the annular indicator 20 and the rotational phase of the sunindicator 30.

In the process O, the sixth assembly 96 is specifically assembledthrough the following operations (a) to (d).

(a) The sun shaft main body 31 is arranged at a position in which thecenter line of the ring shaft main body 21 is aligned with its owncenter line in the rear of the fifth assembly 95.

(b) The rotational phase of the sun threaded section 34 is set to thesun threaded section reference phase RD based on the relation betweenthe rotational phase of the annular indicator 20 and the rotationalphase of the sun indicator 30.

(c) Each of the planetary threaded sections 44 (the counter sun threadedsection 47) of the fifth assembly 95 is engaged with the sun threadedsection 34 by moving the sun shaft main body 31 in parallel along thecenter line in a state of keeping the sun shaft main body 31 in anattitude which is set through the works (a) and (b) mentioned above.

(d) The sun shaft main body 31 is fastened until the relative positionin the axial direction of the sun shaft main body 31 comes to apredetermined position with respect to the ring shaft main body 21.

[process P (FIG. 39)] An assembly (third assembly 93) formed by acombination of the sixth assembly 96 and the front sun gear 32 isassembled. In other words, the third assembly 93 is assembled byengaging the front planetary gear 42 of the sixth assembly 96 with thefront sun gear 32. As mentioned above, in the sixth assembly 96, sinceit is possible to engage the front sun gear 32 with each of the frontplanetary gears 42, it is possible to assume that one gear having adiscontinuous shape is formed by the front planetary gear 42. In thefollowing description, one gear formed by these front planetary gears 42and engaging with the front sun gear 32 is set as a counter sun gear 48.

In this case, with regard to the rotational phases of the counter sungear 48 and the front sun gear 32, the rotational phase of the countersun gear 48 coincides with the rotational phase of the front sun gear32, in a state in which the front sun gear 32 engages with the countersun gear 48. In other words, it is assumed that a difference (sun gearrotational phase difference) of the relative rotational phase is notgenerated between the counter sun gear 48 and the front sun gear 32.Further, a sun gear reference phase RE is set as the rotational phase ofthe front sun gear 32 with respect to the rotational phase of thecounter sun gear 48 in the state where the sun gear rotational phasedifference is not generated.

In the process P, the rotational phase of the front sun gear 32 is setto the sun gear reference phase RE before assembling the third assembly93. Accordingly, since it is possible to engage the counter sun gear 48with the front sun gear 32 by moving the front sun gear 32 in parallelalong the center line, in the state where the center line of the frontsun gear 32 is aligned with the center line of the ring shaft main body21 of the sixth assembly 96, it is possible to achieve an improvement ofthe working efficiency for assembling of the third assembly 93.

In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, sincethe fifth assembly 95 is assembled through the combination of the ringshaft main body 21 and the planetary shaft main body 41 based on theannular indicator 20 of the ring shaft main body 21, the relationbetween the rotational phase of the annular indicator 20 and therotational phase of the counter sun gear 48 always comes to a fixedrelation. Accordingly, the structure is made so as to set the rotationalphase of the front sun gear 32 while assuming that the rotational phaseof the annular indicator 20 is the rotational phase of the counter sungear 48, by previously comprehending the relation between the rotationalphase of the annular indicator 20 and the rotational phase of thecounter sun gear 48 in the fifth assembly 95 (the sixth assembly 96). Inother words, it is possible to set the rotational phase of the front sungear 32 to the sun gear reference phase RE based on the relation betweenthe rotational phase of the annular indicator 20 and the rotationalphase of the front sun gear 32.

In the process P, the third assembly 93 is specifically assembledthrough the following operations (a) to (d).

(a) The front sun gear 32 is arranged at a position in which the centerline of the sun shaft main body 31 is aligned with its own center linein the front of the sixth assembly 96.

(b) The rotational phase of the front sun gear 32 is set to the sun gearreference phase RE based on the relation between the rotational phase ofthe annular indicator 20 and the rotational phase of the front sun gear32.

(c) Each of the front planetary gears 42 (the counter sun gear 48) isengaged with the front sun gear 32 by moving the front sun gear 32 inparallel along the center line in a state of keeping the front sun gear32 in an attitude set through the works (a) and (b) mentioned above.

(d) The front sun gear 32 is fixed to the sun shaft main body 31 bypress fitting the front sun gear 32 to the main body gear portion 31B.

Effects of the Embodiment

As mentioned above in detail, according to the method for manufacturingthe conversion mechanism of the third embodiment, it is possible toobtain effects in proportion to the effects (1) to (19) mentioned aboveaccording to the previous first embodiment.

Modifications of the Embodiment

The third embodiment may be modified, for example, as described below.

In the third embodiment, the sixth assembly 96 is assembled by combiningthe front ring gear 22 with respect to the fifth assembly 95, however,the process until assembling the third assembly 93 may be changed asfollows. In other words, an assembly formed by a combination of thefifth assembly 95 and the sun shaft main body 31 may be assembled, andthe third assembly 93 may be assembled thereafter by the combinationbetween the assembly and the front ring gear 22.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described withreference to FIGS. 40 to 72 while focusing on differences from the firstembodiment.

Aim of the Present Embodiment

In the conversion mechanism 1, since the ring shaft main body 21, thefront ring gear 22 and the rear ring gear 23 are separately formed, andthe sun shaft main body 31 and the rear sun gear 33 are separatelyformed, there is generated a reduction of a rate (work conversionefficiency HS) of the work of the sun shaft 3 with respect to the workof the ring shaft 2, that is, a reduction of a conversion efficiencyfrom the rotational motion to the rectilinear motion. A description willbe given below of a reason why the reduction in work conversionefficiency HS mentioned above is generated.

First of all, since the ring shaft main body 21, the front ring gear 22and the rear ring gear 23 are separately formed, there is a case thatthe ring shaft 2 is assembled in a state in which the relativerotational phases of the front ring gear 22 and the rear ring gear 23are shifted at a time of assembling the conversion mechanism 1. Further,in the case that each of the front planetary gear 42 and the rearplanetary gear 43 is engaged with the corresponding ring gear in a stateof greatly diverging from the engagement state at the design time, goingwith a displacement of the relative rotational phases of the front ringgear 22 and the rear ring gear 23, the reduction of the work conversionefficiency HS is caused due to an increase of a sliding resistancebetween the ring shaft 2 and the sun shaft 3, and the planetary shaft 4.Specifically, in the case that the relative rotational phases of thefront ring gear 22 and the rear ring gear 23 are deviated in the ringshaft 2, that is, the relative rotational phases of the front ring gear22 and the rear ring gear 23 do not substantially coincide with eachother, the planetary shaft 4 comes to a state where the planetary shaft4 is inclined to the ring shaft 2 and the sun shaft 3 in the assembledconversion mechanism 1 due to the displacement of the rotational phasementioned above. Further, since a pitch circle diameter of engagement ofthe threaded sections is accordingly deviated greatly from the designvalue, and the engaging state of the threaded sections becomesexcessively uneven in the axial direction, a sliding resistance in theengagement portion of the threaded sections is increased, and thereduction of the work conversion efficiency HS is going to be generated.

Next, since the sun shaft main body 31 and the rear sun gear 33 areseparately formed, there is a case that the sun shaft 3 is assembled ina state in which the relative rotational phases of the front sun gear 32and the rear sun gear 33 is deviated at a time of assembling theconversion mechanism 1. Further, in the case that each of the frontplanetary gear 42 and the rear planetary gear 43 is engaged with thecorresponding sun gear in the state of being deviated greatly from theengagement state at the design time, going with the displacement of therelative rotational phases of the front sun gear 32 and the rear sungear 33, the reduction of the work conversion efficiency HS is causeddue to an increase of the sliding resistance between the ring shaft 2and the sun shaft 3, and the planetary shaft 4. Specifically, in thecase that the relative rotational phases between the front sun gear 32and the rear sun gear 33 are deviated in the sun shaft 3, that is, therelative rotational phases of the front sun gear 32 and the rear sungear 33 do not substantially coincide with each other, the planetaryshaft 4 comes to a state where the planetary shaft 4 is inclined to atleast one of the ring shaft 2 and the sun shaft 3 in the conversionmechanism 1 after being assembled due to the displacement of therotational phases. Further, since the pitch circle diameter of theengagement of the threaded sections are accordingly deviated greatlyfrom the design value, and the engagement state of the threaded sectionsbecomes excessively uneven in the axial direction, the slidingresistance in the engagement portion of the threaded sections isincreased, and the reduction of the work conversion efficiency HS isgoing to be generated.

In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, inorder to accurately suppress the reduction of the work conversionefficiency HS as mentioned above, the constituent elements are combinedso as to make the degree of inclination of each of the planetary shafts4 with respect to the ring shaft 2 and the sun shaft 3 in the conversionmechanism after being assembled smaller than the reference degree.

As shown in FIG. 40, the degree of inclination of the planetary shaft 4can be defined as an angle (slant angle TA) formed by a center line LAof a reference planetary shaft main body 41X and a center line LB of aninclined planetary shaft main body 41Y, on the assumption that thereference planetary shaft main body 41X is set to the planetary shaftmain body 41 in a state of being in parallel to the sun shaft 3 or thering shaft 2, and the inclined planetary shaft main body 41Y is set tothe planetary shaft main body 41 in a state of being inclined to the sunshaft 3 or the ring shaft 2.

Further, the suppression of the reduction of the work conversionefficiency HS mentioned above corresponds to the fact that the slantangle TA in the conversion mechanism 1 after being assembled becomessmaller than a reference slant angle TAX, that is, a demand conversionefficiency HX is secured as the work conversion efficiency HS, on theassumption that the work conversion efficiency HS demanded in theconversion mechanism 1 is set to the demand conversion efficiency HX,and the slant angle TA corresponding to the demand conversion efficiencyHX is set to the reference slant angle TAX in a relation between theslant angle TA and the work conversion efficiency HS shown in a graph inFIG. 41.

Main Difference from the First Embodiment

The manufacturing method according to the present embodiment isdifferent from the manufacturing method according to the firstembodiment in the following point. In other words, the manufacturingmethod according to the first embodiment is structured such as toassemble the gear assembly 99 through the gear jig 8, and thereafterassembling the gear assembly 99 in a lump to the ring shaft main body21, the sun shaft main body 31 and each of the planetary shaft main body41 of the third assembly 93 (refer to FIGS. 29 to 32), however, themanufacturing method according to the present embodiment is structuredso as to install the rear ring gear 23 and the rear sun gear 33 to thering shaft main body 21 or the sun shaft main body 31 of thecorresponding assembly so as to assemble a fourteenth assembly 9D shownin FIG. 65, and thereafter installing the rear planetary gear 43 to eachof the planetary shaft main bodies 41 of the assembly 9D. In this case,the same structures as the first embodiment are basically employedexcept the different point mentioned above.

<Outline of Manufacturing Method>

The manufacturing method according to the present embodiment isstructured such as to sequentially assemble a first assembly 91 (thefirst assembly 91 (FIG. 51) having the same structure as the firstembodiment) in which the planetary shaft main body 41 is assembled withrespect to the sun shaft main body 31, an eleventh assembly 9A (FIG. 58)in which the rear sun gear 33 is assembled with respect to the assembly91, a twelfth assembly 9B (FIG. 60) in which the front ring gear 22 isassembled with respect to the assembly 9A, a thirteenth assembly 9C(FIG. 61) in which the ring shaft main body 21 is installed with respectto the assembly 9B, a fourteenth assembly 9D (FIG. 64) in which the rearring gear 23 is assembled with respect to the assembly 9C, and a fourthassembly 94 (the fourth assembly 94 (FIG. 68) having the same structureas the first embodiment) in which the rear planetary gear 43 isassembled with respect to the assembly 9D, through an assembling jig 100shown in FIGS. 42 to 46 and a support jig 200 shown in FIG. 47.

Specifically, after manufacturing each of the constituent elementsthrough processes in proportion to the processes A to H according to thefirst embodiment, and washing the constituent elements through theprocess I, the constituent elements are combined on the assembling jig100, and the assemblies are formed in the order of the first assembly91, the eleventh assembly 9A, the twelfth assembly 9B, the thirteenthassembly 9C and the fourteenth assembly 9D (process XA (FIG. 48) to aprocess XM (FIG. 64)). Thereafter, in a state of supporting thefourteenth assembly 9D by the support jig 200 in place of the assemblingjig 100, the fourth assembly 94 is assembled by installing the rearplanetary gear 43 to each of the planetary shaft main bodies 41 of theassembly 9D (process XN (FIG. 65) to a process XR (FIG. 69)). Then, theconversion mechanism 1 is finished through a process in proportion tothe process T according to the first embodiment.

<Structure of Assembling Jig>

A description will be given of a structure of the assembling jig 100with reference to FIGS. 42 to 46.

In the following description, a direction extending along a center lineC of the assembling jig 100 or the support jig 200 is set to an axialdirection, a direction of an arrow VA in the axial direction is set toan upper side in the axial direction, and a direction of an arrow VBopposing to the upper side in the axial direction is set to a lower sidein the axial direction. Further, a direction which is orthogonal to thecenter line C of the assembling jig 100 or the support jig 200 is set toa radial direction, a direction of an arrow VC coming close to thecenter line C in the radial direction is set to an inner side in theradial direction, and a direction of an arrow VD opposing to the innerside in the radial direction is set to an outer side in the radialdirection.

The assembling jig 100 is structured such as to be provided with a jigmain body 110 for holding the sun shaft 3 in a state of restricting achange of an attitude with respect to the jig 100, a first movableportion 120 provided on the jig main body 110 so as to be movable in theaxial direction with respect to the jig main body 110, a second movableportion 130 provided on the jig main body 110 so as to be movable in theradial direction with respect to the jig main body 110, and aninstallation portion 140 provided on the jig main body 110 for attachinga first attached body 150 and a second attached body 160 respectivelyshown in FIGS. 45 and 46.

The jig main body 110 is formed by a first main body 111 provided with aspace (insertion hole 113) for inserting the sun shaft 3, and a secondmain body 112 provided with the second movable portion 130 and theinstallation portion 140.

In the first main body 111, around an opening portion of the insertionhole 113, there is provided a abutting portion 114 for setting the axialrelative position MS of each of the planetary shaft main bodies 41 tothe axial regular position XS at a time of installing each of theplanetary shaft main bodies 41 with respect to the sun shaft main body31 inserted to the insertion hole 113. In other words, the abuttingportion 114 is formed as an element for setting the axial relativeposition MS to the axial regular position XS by the front distal endportion 41T of the planetary shaft main body 41 being struck against ajig end surface 114F in the same manner as the first jig 61 used in thefirst embodiment mentioned above.

A plurality of support portions 115 for supporting each of the planetaryshafts 4 are provided on the abutting portion 114. Each of the supportportions 115 is formed as an element for restricting inclination of theplanetary shaft 4 in a circumferential direction in a state in which thesingle planetary shaft 4 is arranged between the adjacent supportportions 115 in a circumferential direction. Further, it is structuredsuch that the planetary shaft 4 can be arranged between the supportportions 115 from an outer side in the radial direction.

A first sun gear ball plunger 117 is provided in an inner side of atleast one of the support portions 115, the first sun gear ball plunger117 being provided for disenabling the rotation of the sun shaft mainbody 31 attached to the jig main body 110 with respect to the jig mainbody 110. In the assembling jig 100 according to the present embodiment,the first sun gear ball plunger 117 is provided in each of three supportportions 115 which are spaced at a uniform interval in thecircumferential direction. In this case, as an arranged aspect of thefirst sun gear ball plunger 117, for example, there can be employed anaspect that they are provided in a pair of support portions 115 having asubstantially opposed relationship based on the center line C of theassembling jig 100, in addition to the aspect mentioned above. Further,the first sun gear ball plunger 117 corresponds to one of structuresobtained by embodying the first restriction portion restricting therotation of the first sun gear.

Each of the first sun gear ball plungers 117 is formed by a ball 117A(support body) arranged between the teeth of the front sun gear 32, anda spring 117B (pressing body) pressing the ball 117A toward an innerside in the radial direction of the gear 32 against the teeth of thefront sun gear 32. Further, an attaching position of the ball plunger117 to the support portion 115 is set in such a manner that the ball117A comes into contact with a corresponding tooth surface on a pitchcircle of the front sun gear 32 or near the pitch circle. Accordingly,in the case that the sun shaft main body 31 is attached to the jig mainbody 110, the ball 117A of each of the ball plungers 117 is arrangedbetween the corresponding teeth, and is pressed against the front sungear 32 in a state of coming into contact with the tooth surface on thepitch circle or near the pitch circle. Accordingly, the sun shaft mainbody 31 is going to be held by the jig main body 110 in a state in whichthe rotation is made disenable with respect to the jig main body 110.

In an outer side of at least one of the support portions 115, there isprovided a first ring gear ball plunger 116 for disenabling the rotationof the ring gear 22 with respect to the jig main body 110, with regardto the front ring gear 22 (specifically, the front ring gear 22 in thethirteenth assembly 9C mentioned above) in a state of being held to thejig main body 110 through the assembling to the ring shaft main body 21.In the assembling jig 100 according to the present embodiment, the firstring gear ball plunger 116 is provided in each of three support portions115 spaced at a uniform interval in the circumferential direction. Inthis case, as an arranged aspect of the first ring gear ball plunger116, for example, there can be employed an aspect that the first ringgear ball plunger 116 is provided in a pair of support portions 115having a substantially opposing relationship based on the center line Cof the assembling jig 100, in addition to the aspect mentioned above.Further, the first ring gear ball plunger 116 corresponds to one ofstructures obtained by embodying the first restriction portionrestricting the rotation of the first annular gear.

Each of the first ring gear ball plungers 116 is formed by a ball 116A(support body) arranged between the teeth of the front ring gear 22, anda spring 116B (pressing body) pressing the ball 116A toward an outerside in the radial direction of the gear 22 against the teeth of thefront ring gear 22. Further, an attaching position of the ball plunger116 to the support portion 115 is set in such a manner that the ball116A comes into contact with a corresponding tooth surface on a pitchcircle of the front ring gear 22 or near the pitch circle. Accordingly,in the case that the ring shaft main body 21 is attached to the jig mainbody 110 through the assembly to the sun shaft main body 31, the ball116A of each of the ball plungers 116 is arranged between thecorresponding teeth, and is pressed against the front ring gear 22 in astate of coming into contact with the tooth surface on the pitch circleor near the pitch circle. Accordingly, the ring shaft main body 21 isgoing to be held by the jig main body 110 in a state in which therotation is made disenable with respect to the jig main body 110.

The first movable portion 120 is formed as an element for supporting thering gear 22 in a state in which the center line of the front ring gear22 is aligned with the center line of the sun shaft main body 31, andinstalling the front ring gear 22 to the ring shaft main body 21 throughthe movement in the axial direction with respect to the jig main body110 while keeping the aligned state. Further, the first movable portion120 is set to a retracted position shown in FIG. 43 so as to support thefront ring gear 22 before installing the front ring gear 22 to the ringshaft main body 21, and is set to an assembling position shown in FIG.44 through the movement to an upper side in the axial direction, therebyinstalling the front ring gear 22 to the ring shaft main body 21. Thefirst movable portion 120 is provided with the following function inaddition to the function mentioned above. In other words, the firstmovable portion 120 is formed as an element of being movable from theretracted position to the assembling position while keeping therotational phase of the front ring gear 22 with respect to the ballplunger 116, in such a manner that the ball 116A of each of the firstring gear ball plungers 116 is arranged between the teeth of the frontring gear 22, at a time of being set to the assembling position.

The second movable portion 130 is formed as an element for restrictingthe movement of the first movable portion 120 moving to the assemblingposition toward the lower side in the axial direction through themovement in the radial direction with respect to the jig main body 110.In other words, when the first movable portion 120 is set to theretracted position, the second movable portion 130 is set to a retractedposition shown in FIG. 43, and when the first movable portion 120 is setto the assembling position, it is set to a support position shown inFIG. 44 so as to support the first movable portion 120 from the lowerside in the axial direction.

The installation portion 140 is formed as an element for attaching thefirst attached body 150 shown in FIG. 45 and attaching the secondattached body 160 shown in FIG. 46. In other words, it is formed as anelement which can hold each of the first attached body 150 and thesecond attached body 160 in an upper portion of the assembly formed onthe jig main body 110.

As shown in FIG. 45, the first attached body 150 is formed as an elementfor holding the sun gear 33 in a state in which the rotation of the rearsun gear 33 is disabled with respect to its own, and a state where thecenter line of the rear sun gear 33 is aligned with the center line ofthe sun shaft main body 31, and installing the rear sun gear 33 to thesun shaft main body 31 through the movement to the lower side in theaxial direction with respect to the jig main body 110 while keeping thestate. Specifically, it is formed by an attached body main body 151attached to the installation portion 140, an attached movable body 152which can support the rear sun gear 33 according to the aspect mentionedabove and can move in the axial direction of the jig main body 110 withrespect to the main body 151, a guide body 156 more securely guiding themovement in the axial direction of the movable body 152 in cooperationto the attached body main body 151, and a coupling body 157 fixing theguide body 156 to the attached body main body 151.

The attached movable body 152 is provided with a gear arrangementportion 153 for attaching the rear sun gear 33, a gear restrictionportion 154 for restricting the movement of the sun gear 33 to the upperside in the axial direction with respect to the movable body 152 at atime of pressure inserting the rear sun gear 33 attached to thearrangement portion 153 to the sun shaft main body 31, and a pair ofsecond sun gear ball plungers 155 for disenabling the rotation of therear sun gear 33 attached to the gear arrangement portion 153 withrespect to the movable body 152 (the first attached body 150). Further,the attached movable body 152 is structured so as to be prevented frombeing interfered with the assembly formed by including the sun shaftmain body 31 at a time of installing the rear sun gear 33 to the sunshaft main body 31 through the movement in the axial direction withrespect to the attached body main body 151.

Each of the ball plungers 155 is formed by a ball 155A (support body)arranged between the teeth of the rear sun gear 33, and a spring 155B(pressing body) pressing the ball 155A toward an inner side in theradial direction of the gear 33 against the teeth of the rear sun gear33. Further, an attaching position of the ball plunger 155 to theattached movable body 152 is set in such a manner that the ball 155Acomes into contact with a corresponding tooth surface on a pitch circleof the rear sun gear 33 or near the pitch circle. Further, it isprovided in the attached movable body 152 in an aspect of substantiallyopposing via the rear sun gear 33. Accordingly, in the case that therear sun gear 33 is arranged in the gear arrangement portion 153, theball 155A of each of the ball plungers 155 is arranged between thecorresponding teeth, and is pressed against the rear sun gear 33 in astate of coming into contact with the tooth surface on the pitch circleor near the pitch circle. Accordingly, the rear sun gear 33 is going tobe held by the gear arrangement portion 153 in a state in which therotation is made disenabled with respect to the attached movable body152.

In the assembling jig 100, a relation between the first sun gear ballplunger 117 of the jig main body 110 and the second sun gear ballplunger 155 of the first attached body 150 is set as follows. In otherwords, the structure is made such that the relative rotational phasessubstantially coincide with each other between the corresponding firstsun gear ball plunger 117 and second sun gear ball plunger 155, in astate in which the first attached body 150 is attached to the jig mainbody 110. In other words, the relative rotational phases of the firstsun gear ball plunger 117 and the second sun gear ball plunger 155 areset in such a manner that the relative rotational phases substantiallycoincide between the front sun gear 32 and the rear sun gear 33, in thestate where the sun shaft main body 31 is held to the jig main body 110and the state where the first attached body 150 holding the rear sungear 33 is attached to the installation portion 140. In this case, thesecond sun gear ball plunger 155 corresponds to one of structuresobtained by embodying the second regulation portion restricting therotation of the second sun gear.

As shown in FIG. 46, the second attached body 160 is formed as anelement for holding the ring gear 23 in a state in which the rotation ofthe rear ring gear 23 is disabled with respect to its own, and a statewhere the center line of the rear ring gear 23 is aligned with thecenter line of the sun shaft main body 31, and installing the rear ringgear 23 to the ring shaft main body 21 through the movement to the lowerside in the axial direction with respect to the jig main body 110 whilekeeping the state. Specifically, it is formed by an attached body mainbody 161 attached to the installation portion 140, and an attachedmovable body 162 which can support the rear ring gear 23 according tothe aspect mentioned above and can move in the axial direction of thejig main body 110 with respect to the main body 161.

The attached movable body 162 is provided with a gear arrangementportion 163 for attaching the rear ring gear 23, a gear restrictionportion 164 for restricting the movement of the ring gear 23 to theupper side in the axial direction with respect to the movable body 162at a time of pressure inserting the rear ring gear 23 attached to thearrangement portion 163 to the ring shaft main body 21, and a pair ofball plungers 165 for disenabling the rotation of the rear ring gear 23attached to the gear arrangement portion 163 with respect to the movablebody 162 (the second attached body 160). Further, the attached movablebody 162 is structured such as to be prevented from being interferedwith the assembly formed by including the ring shaft main body 21 at atime of installing the rear ring gear 23 to the ring shaft main body 21through the movement in the axial direction with respect to the attachedbody main body 161.

Each of the ball plungers 165 is formed by a ball 165A (support body)arranged between the teeth of the rear ring gear 23, and a spring 165B(pressing body) pressing the ball 165A toward an outer side in theradial direction of the gear 23 against the teeth of the rear ring gear23. Further, an attaching position of the ball plunger 165 to theattached movable body 162 is set in such a manner that the ball 165Acomes into contact with a corresponding tooth surface on the pitchcircle of the rear ring gear 23 or near the pitch circle. Further, it isprovided in the attached movable body 162 in an aspect of substantiallyopposing via the rear ring gear 23. Accordingly, in the case that therear ring gear 23 is arranged in the gear arrangement portion 163, theball 165A of each of the ball plungers 165 is arranged between thecorresponding teeth, and is pressed against the rear ring gear 23 in astate of coming into contact with the tooth surface on the pitch circleor near the pitch circle. Accordingly, the rear ring gear 23 is going tobe held by the gear arrangement portion 163 in a state in which therotation is made disenable with respect to the attached movable body162.

In the assembling jig 100, the relation between the first ring gear ballplunger 116 of the jig main body 110 and the second ring gear ballplunger 165 of the second attached body 160 is set as follows. In otherwords, the structure is made so that the relative rotational phasessubstantially coincide with each other between the corresponding firstring gear ball plunger 116 and second ring gear ball plunger 165, in astate in which the second attached body 160 is attached to the jig mainbody 110. In other words, the relative rotational phases of the firstring gear ball plunger 116 and the second ring gear ball plunger 165 areset in such a manner that the relative rotational phases substantiallycoincide between the front ring gear 22 and the rear ring gear 23, inthe state where the ring shaft main body 21 is held to the jig main body110 through the assembling to the sun shaft main body 31, the statewhere the front ring gear 22 is installed to the ring shaft main body 21(specifically, the state where the thirteenth assembly 9C is held by thejig main body 110), and the state where the second attached body 160holding the rear ring gear 23 is attached to the installation portion140. In this case, the second ring gear ball plunger 165 corresponds toone of structures obtained by embodying the second regulation portionrestricting the rotation of the second annular gear.

<Structure of Support Jig>

A description will be given of a structure of the support jig 200 withreference to FIG. 47.

The support jig 200 is structured such as to be provided with a jig mainbody 210 for holding the fourteenth assembly 9D in a state ofrestricting a change of an attitude with respect to the jig 200, and aplurality of jig support columns 220 for holding each of the planetaryshaft main bodies 41 of the assembly 9D in a parallel state with respectto at least one of the sun shaft main body 31 and the ring shaft mainbody 21. Each of the jig support columns 220 is formed as an elementwhich can be inserted between the planetary shafts 4 from a lower sidein the axial direction of the fourteenth assembly 9D and can reform theplanetary shaft main body 41 inclined with respect to the sun shaft mainbody 31 in a parallel attitude to at least one of the sun shaft mainbody 31 and the ring shaft main body 21.

<Method for Manufacturing Rotational Rectilinear Motion ConversionMechanism>

A description will be given of the method for manufacturing therotational rectilinear motion conversion mechanism 1 with reference toFIGS. 48 to 69. In this case, the description will be given below ofeach of processes after the processes in proportion to the processes Ato I according to the first embodiment are carried out.

[process XA (FIG. 48)] The process sets the first movable portion 120 ofthe assembling jig 100 to the retracted position, and sets the secondmovable portion 130 to the retracted position. Further, the process setsa state where the first attached body 150 or the second attached body160 is not attached to the installation portion 140.

[process XB (FIG. 49)] The process inserts the sun shaft main body 31 tothe insertion hole 113 of the assembling jig 100. At this time, the sunshaft main body 31 is inserted until the main body distal end portion31D abuts the bottom wall of the assembling jig 100. Further, the ball117A of each of the first sun gear ball plungers 117 is arranged betweenthe teeth of the corresponding front sun gear 32. Accordingly, it ispossible to secure a state where each of the balls 117A comes into pointcontact with each of the corresponding tooth surfaces, and a state whereeach of the balls 117A is pressed to the sun shaft main body 31 throughthe spring 117B.

[process XC (FIG. 50)] The process attaches the front ring gear 22 tothe first movable portion 120 of the assembling jig 100. Accordingly, itis possible to secure a state where the ball 116A of each of the firstring gear ball plungers 116 is arranged between the teeth of the frontring gear 22 at a time of moving the first movable portion 120 from theretracted position to the assembling position.

[process XD (FIG. 14)] The process carries out assembly work inproportion to the process K according to the first embodiment. In otherwords, the process sets the rotational phase with respect to thethreaded jig 7 to the identical rotational phase in all the planetaryshaft main bodies 41, by attaching each of the planetary shaft mainbodies 41 to the threaded jig 7, as a preparation for assembling thefirst assembly 91 formed by the combination between the sun shaft mainbody 31 and each of the planetary shaft main bodies 41 in the firstassembling state.

[process XE (FIG. 51)] The process assembles the first assembly 91through a work in proportion to the step L according to the firstembodiment. Specifically, the process assembles the first assembly 91through the following processes XE1 to XE5 corresponding to theprocesses in proportion to the processes L1 to L5 (FIGS. 18 to 21)according to the first embodiment. In this case, each of the followingprocesses shows the assembling procedure of one planetary shaft mainbody 41. Further, the present process XE corresponds to one ofstructures obtained by embodying the sun shaft assembly assemblingprocess. Further, the first assembly 91 corresponds to one of structuresobtained by embodying the sun shaft assembly.

[process XE1 (FIG. 52)] The process detaches the planetary shaft mainbody 41 from the threaded jig 7 by dividing the threaded jig 7. At thistime, the planetary shaft main body 41 is in a state where its owncenter line becomes parallel to the center line of the sun shaft mainbody 31.

[process XE2 (FIG. 53)] The process arranges the planetary shaft mainbody 41 at the reference position VR based on the rotational phase ofthe sun indicator 30. In other words, the process moves the planetaryshaft main body 41 to a position (the reference position VR) at whichits own center line intersects the reference line VL obtained by thesecond reference point PB and the first reference point PA of its owncircumferential regular position XR. At this time, the process moves theplanetary shaft main body 41 in a state of keeping the relation to therotational phase of the sun shaft main body 31 (the sun indicator 30).Further, the process selects a position at which the front distal endportion 41T can be struck against the jig end surface 114F of theabutting portion 114 of the assembling jig 100 at a time of moving theplanetary shaft main body 41 in parallel along the center line, as thereference position VR. In this case, details of the reference positionVR, the circumferential regular position XR, the first reference pointPA, the second reference point PB and the reference line VL are inproportion to the contents shown in the first embodiment mentionedabove.

[process XE3 (FIG. 53)] The process sets the planetary shaft relativephase MP to the planetary shaft regular phase XP based on the rotationalphase of the sun indicator 30. Specifically, the process sets theplanetary shaft relative phase MP to the planetary shaft regular phaseXP by rotating the planetary shaft main body 41 in such a manner that adifference of the relative rotational phases runs short, aftercomprehending the difference between the planetary shaft reference phaseBP and the planetary shaft regular phase XP based on a comparisonbetween the rotational phase of the sun indicator 30 and the planetaryshaft reference phase BP. In this case, details of the planetary shaftrelative phase MP, the planetary shaft regular phase XP and theplanetary shaft reference phase BP are in proportion to the contentsshown in the first embodiment.

[process XE4 (FIG. 54)] The process sets the axial relative position MSto the axial regular position XS by moving the planetary shaft main body41 in parallel along the center line so as to abut the front distal endportion 41T against the jig end surface 114F. In this case, details ofthe axial relative position MS and the axial regular position XS are inproportion to the contents shown in the first embodiment.

[process XE5 (FIG. 55)] The process sets the radial relative position MLto the radial regular position XL by moving the planetary shaft mainbody 41 in parallel so as to abut against the sun shaft main body 31 inthe state where the center line of the planetary shaft main body 41becomes parallel to the center line of the sun shaft main body 31.Specifically, the process moves the planetary shaft main body 41 inparallel from the reference position VR to the radial regular positionXL in such a manner that a locus of the center line (the secondreference point PB) of the planetary shaft main body 41 on the referenceplane VP is aligned with the reference line VL. At this time, since theplanetary shaft main body 41 is arranged at the radial regular positionXL in a state in which the planetary shaft main body 41 is set to thecircumferential regular position XR, the axial regular position XS andthe planetary shaft regular phase XP, it is possible to simultaneouslyobtain the engagement between the front planetary gear 42 and the frontsun gear 32 and the engagement between the planetary threaded section 44and the sun threaded section 34. In this case, details of the radialrelative position ML, the radial regular position XL and the referenceplane VP are in proportion to the contents shown in the firstembodiment. Further, in the case that the change of the attitude of eachof the planetary shaft main bodies 41 with respect to the sun shaft mainbody 31 (particularly the change of the attitude in the radialdirection) comes into question, with regard to the first assembly 91assembled on the assembling jig 100 through each of the processesmentioned above, it is possible to regulate the change of the attitudementioned above through an appropriate holding body (for example, theretainer 65 according to the first embodiment).

[process XF (FIG. 56)] The process attaches the rear sun gear 33 to theattached movable body 152 of the first attached body 150. At this time,the ball 155A of each of the second sun gear ball plungers 155 isarranged between the teeth of the corresponding rear sun gear 33.Accordingly, it is possible to secure a state where each of the balls155A comes into point contact with the corresponding tooth surface, anda state where each of the balls 155A is pressed against the rear sungear 33 through the spring 155B. Thereafter, the process attaches thefirst attached body 150 to the installation portion 140 of the jig mainbody 110. Accordingly, it is possible to secure a state where therelative rotational phases substantially coincide with each otherbetween the front sun gear 32 held to the jig main body 110 and the rearsun gear 33 held to the first attached body 150. In this case, thepresent process XF corresponds to one of structures obtained byembodying the holding process.

[process XG (FIG. 57)] The process assembles the eleventh assembly 9Aformed by a combination of the first assembly 91 and the rear sun gear33. Specifically, the attached movable body 152 is moves to the lowerside in the axial direction with respect to the attached body main body151, and the rear sun gear 33 is pressure inserted to the sun shaft mainbody 31. Accordingly, the sun shaft 3 is assembled in the state wherethe relative rotational phases substantially coincide between the frontsun gear 32 and the rear sun gear 33. In this case, the present processXG corresponds to one of the structures embodying the second sun gearassembling process.

[process XH (FIG. 58)] The process detaches the first attached body 150from the installation portion 140, and restricts the rotational phase ofthe front ring gear 22 according to the following aspect.

In this case, since the front ring gear 22 can be engaged with each ofthe front planetary gears 42 in the eleventh assembly 9A, it is possibleto assume that one gear (the counter ring gear 45) having thediscontinuous shape is formed by each of the front planetary gears 42 inthe same manner as the first assembly 91 according to the firstembodiment. Accordingly, in proportion to the first embodiment, therotational phase of the front ring gear 22 is set to the annular gearreference phase RA in the process XH by setting the difference of therelative rotational phases between the counter ring gear 45 and thefront ring gear 22 to the annular gear rotational phase difference, andsetting the rotational phase of the front ring gear 22 with respect tothe rotational phase of the counter ring gear 45 in the state where theannular gear rotational phase difference does not exist to the annulargear reference phase RA. Specifically, the rotational phase of the frontring gear 22 is set to the annular gear reference phase RA based on therelation between the rotational phase of the sun indicator 30 and therotational phase of the front ring gear 22. As the setting aspect of therotational phase mentioned above, for example, there can be employed anaspect or rotating only the front ring gear 22 with respect to the jigmain body 110, or rotating the front ring gear 22 together with thefirst movable portion 120 with respect to the jig main body 110.Further, the rotational phase of the front ring gear 22 after being setcan be held until it is installed to the counter ring gear 45, bydisenabling the rotation of the ring gear 22 with respect to the jigmain body 110. Further, in accordance with the setting of the rotationalphase, since it becomes possible to engage the counter ring gear 45 withthe front ring gear 22 by moving the front ring gear 22 in parallelalong the center line, in the state where the center line of the frontring gear 22 is aligned with the center line of the sun shaft main body31 of the eleventh assembly 9A, it is possible to achieve an improvementof labor efficiency for assembling the twelfth assembly 9B.

In this connection, in the manufacturing method according to the presentembodiment, since the first assembly 91 is assembled through thecombination of the sun shaft main body 31 and each of the planetaryshaft main bodies 41 based on the sun indicator 30 of the sun shaft mainbody 31, the relation between the rotational phase of the sun indicator30 and the rotational phase of the counter ring gear 45 is alwaysmaintained in a fixed relation. Accordingly, it is possible to assumethat the rotational phase of the sun indicator 30 is the rotationalphase of the counter ring gear 45 and set the rotational phase of thefront ring gear 22, by previously comprehending the rotational phase ofthe sun indicator 30 and the rotational phase of the counter ring gear45 in the first assembly 91. In other words, it is possible to set therotational phase of the front ring gear 22 to the annular gear referencephase RA based on the relation between the rotational phase of the sunindicator 30 and the rotational phase of the front ring gear 22.

[process XI (FIGS. 59 and 60)] The process assembles the twelfthassembly 9B formed by a combination of the eleventh assembly 9A and thefront ring gear 22. Specifically, the front ring gear 22 is engaged witheach of the front planetary gears 42 (the counter ring gears 45) of theeleventh assembly 9A by moving the first movable portion 120 of theassembling jig 100 from a retracted position (FIG. 58) toward anassembling position (FIG. 59). At this time, the ball 116A of each ofthe first ring gear ball plungers 116 is arranged between the teeth ofthe corresponding front ring gear 22. Accordingly, it is possible tosecure a state where each of the balls 116A comes into point contactwith each of the corresponding tooth surfaces, and a state where each ofthe balls 116A is pressed against the front ring gear 22 through thespring 116B. Thereafter, the first movable portion 120 is supported bythe second movable portion 130, by moving the second movable portion 130from a retracted position (FIG. 59) to a support position (FIG. 60), inthe state where the first movable portion 120 is set to the assemblingposition. In the case that the holding body (for example, the retainer65 according to the first embodiment) for restricting the change of theattitude of each of the planetary shaft main bodies 41 with respect tothe sun shaft main body 31 is attached to the first assembly 91 throughthe previous process XE, it is allowed to cancel the regulation by theholding body after the twelfth assembly 9B is assembled through thepresent process XI.

[process XJ (FIG. 61)] The process assembles the thirteenth assembly 9Cformed by a combination of the twelfth assembly 9B and the ring shaftmain body 21.

In this case, since the annular threaded section 24 can be engaged witheach of the planetary threaded sections 44, in the twelfth assembly 9B,it can be assumed that one externally threaded section (the counterannular threaded section 46) having a discontinuous thread ridge isformed by each of the planetary threaded sections 44 in the same manneras the second assembly 92 according to the first embodiment.Accordingly, the rotational phase of the annular threaded section 24(the ring shaft main body 21) is set to the annular threaded sectionreference phase RB in the process XJ, by setting the difference of therelative rotational phases of the counter annular threaded section 46and the annular threaded section 24 to the annular thread rotationalphase difference, and setting the rotational phase of the annularthreaded section 24 with respect to the rotational phase of the counterannular threaded section 46 in the state where the annular threadrotational phase difference does not exist to the annular threadedsection reference phase RB, in proportion to the first embodimentmentioned above. Therefore, since it is possible to engage the counterannular threaded section 46 with the annular threaded section 24 bymoving the ring shaft main body 21 in parallel along the center line, inthe state where the center line of the ring shaft main body 21 isaligned with the center line of the sun shaft main body 31 of thetwelfth assembly 9B, it is possible to achieve an improvement of aworking efficiency for assembling the thirteenth assembly 9C.

In the process XJ, the thirteenth assembly 9C is specifically assembledthrough each of the following operations. In other words, the ring shaftmain body 21 is arranged at a position in which the center line of thesun shaft main body 31 is aligned with its own center line in the rearof the twelfth assembly 9B, and the rotational phase of the annularthreaded section 24 is thereafter set to the annular threaded sectionreference phase RB based on the relation between the rotational phase ofthe sun indicator 30 and the rotational phase of the annular indicator20. Thereafter, the annular threaded section 24 are engaged with each ofthe planetary threaded sections 44 (the counter annular threaded section46) of the second assembly 92 thereafter by moving the ring shaft mainbody 21 in parallel along the center line while keeping the attitude ofthe ring shaft main body 21. Further, the front ring gear 22 is pressureinserted to the ring shaft main body 21 while fastening the ring shaftmain body 21 until the end surface of the ring shaft main body 21 abutsthe first movable portion 120 of the assembling jig 100. At this time,although a torque is applied to each of the planetary shaft main bodies41 going with the engagement of the threaded sections, the main body 41is supported by the support portion 115 of the assembling jig 100.Accordingly, the change of the attitude in the radial direction is goingto be regulated. Further, although the torque is applied to the frontring gear 22 going with the pressure insertion to the ring shaft mainbody 21, the rotation of the ring gear 22 is disabled with respect tothe jig main body 110 through each of the first ring gear ball plungers116 of the assembling jig 100. Accordingly, the rotational phase of thefront ring gear 22 with respect to the jig main body 110 and the sunshaft main body 31 by extension is maintained substantially in theidentical phase to that before assembling the ring shaft main body 21.In the case that the holding body (for example, the retainer 65according to the first embodiment) for restricting the change of theattitude of each of the planetary shaft main bodies 41 with respect tothe sun shaft main body 31 is attached to the first assembly 91 throughthe previous process XE, it is possible to cancel the regulation by theholding body after the thirteenth assembly 9C is assembled through thepresent process XJ. Further, the present process XJ corresponds to oneof structures obtained by embodying the first annular gear assemblingprocess or the annular shaft assembly assembling process. Further, thethirteenth assembly 9C corresponds to one of structures obtained byembodying the annular shaft assembly.

In this connection, in the manufacturing method according to the presentembodiment, since the first assembly 91 is assembled through thecombination of the sun shaft main body 31 and each of the planetaryshaft main bodies 41 based on the sun indicator 30 of the sun shaft mainbody 31, the relation between the rotational phase of the sun indicator30 and the rotational phase of the counter annular threaded section 46is always maintained in a fixed relation. Further, since the annularthreaded section 24 are formed based on the annular indicator 20 of thering shaft main body 21, the relation between the rotational phase ofthe annular indicator 20 and the rotational phase of the annularthreaded section 24 is always maintained in a fixed relation.Accordingly, it is possible to assume that the rotational phase of thesun indicator 30 is the rotational phase of the counter annular threadedsection 46 and assume that the rotational phase of the annular indicator20 is the rotational phase of the annular threaded section 24, bypreviously comprehending the relation between the rotational phase ofthe sun indicator 30 and the rotational phase of the counter annularthreaded section 46 in the twelfth assembly 9B, and the relation betweenthe rotational phase of the annular indicator 20 and the rotationalphase of the annular threaded section 24 in the ring shaft main body 21,thereby setting the rotational phase of the annular threaded section 24.In other words, it is possible to set the rotational phase of theannular threaded section 24 to the annular threaded section referencephase RB based on the relation between the rotational phase of the sunindicator 30 and the rotational phase of the annular indicator 20.

[process XK (FIG. 62)] The process attaches the rear ring gear 23 to theattached movable body 162 of the second attached body 160. At this time,the ball 165A of each of the second ring gear ball plungers 165 isarranged between the teeth of the corresponding rear ring gear 23.Accordingly, it is possible to secure a state where each of the balls165A comes into point contact with the corresponding tooth surface, anda state where each of the balls 165A is pressed against the rear ringgear 23 through the spring 165B. Thereafter, the process attaches thesecond attached body 160 to the installation portion 140 of the jig mainbody 110. Accordingly, it is possible to secure a state where therelative rotational phases substantially coincide with each otherbetween the front sun gear 32 of the thirteenth assembly 9C held to thejig main body 110 and the rear ring gear 23 held to the second attachedbody 160.

[process XL (FIG. 63)] The process assembles the fourteenth assembly 9Dformed by a combination of the thirteenth assembly 9C and the rear ringgear 23. Specifically, the attached movable body 162 is moves to thelower side in the axial direction with respect to the attached body mainbody 161, and the rear ring gear 23 is pressure inserted to the ringshaft main body 21. Accordingly, the ring shaft 2 is assembled in thestate where the relative rotational phases substantially coincidebetween the front ring gear 22 and the rear ring gear 23. In this case,the present process XL corresponds to one of structures obtained byembodying the second annular gear assembling process.

[process XM (FIG. 64)] The process detaches the second attached body 160from the installation portion 140.

[process XN (FIG. 65)] The process detaches the fourteenth assembly 9Dfrom the assembling jig 100.

[process XO (FIG. 66)] The process attaches the fourteenth assembly 9Dto the support jig 200. At this time, even if the planetary shaft mainbody 41 is in an attitude of being inclined to at least one of the sunshaft main body 31 and the ring shaft main body 21 in accordance withthe detachment of the fourteenth assembly 9D from the assembling jig100, the attitude of each of the planetary shaft main bodies 41 isreformed to an attitude of being in parallel to at least one of the sunshaft main body 31 and the ring shaft main body 21, and the state isgoing to be kept.

[process XP (FIG. 67)] The process assembles the fourth assembly 94formed by a combination of the fourteenth assembly 9D and each of therear planetary gears 43. Specifically, each of the rear planetary gears43 is installed to the planetary shaft main body 41 of the correspondingfourth assembly 94 separately or in a lump. In this case, the fourteenthassembly 9D corresponds to one of structures obtained by embodying theplanetary assembly. Further, the present process XP corresponds to oneof structures obtained by embodying the assembly assembling process orthe planetary gear assembling process.

[process XQ (FIG. 68)] The process detaches the fourth assembly 94 fromthe support jig 200.

[process XR (FIG. 69)] The process carries out the work in proportion tothe process T according to the first embodiment. In other words, theprocess assembles the conversion mechanism 1 by installing the frontcollar 51 and the rear collar 52 to the fourth assembly 94.Specifically, the process installs the O-ring to each of the frontcollar 51 and the rear collar 52, and thereafter installs the frontcollar 51 and the rear collar 52 to the ring shaft main body 21.

Effect of Embodiment

As mentioned above in detail, according to the method for manufacturingthe conversion mechanism of this embodiment, the effects shown below canbe obtained.

(21) In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment,since the sun shaft main body 31 is combined with the rear sun gear 33in the state where the relative rotational phases substantially coincidebetween the front sun gear 32 and the rear sun gear 33, the relativerotational phases are going to substantially coincide between the frontsun gear 32 and the rear sun gear 33 in the sun shaft 3. Accordingly,since it is possible to accurately inhibit the corresponding sun gearand planetary gear from being engaged in the state where they aredeviated greatly from the engaged state at the design time, it ispossible to achieve an improvement of a work conversion efficiency fromthe rotational motion to the rectilinear motion. In other words, sincethe conversion mechanism 1 can be assembled in the state where the slantangle TA of the planetary shaft main body 41 is smaller than thereference slant angle TAX, through the management of the rotationalphases of the front sun gear 32 and the rear sun gear 33, it is possibleto accurately secure the demand conversion efficiency HX as the workconversion efficiency HS of the conversion mechanism 1.

(22) In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment,since the ring shaft main body 21 is combined with the rear ring gear 23in the state where the relative rotational phases substantially coincidebetween the front ring gear 22 and the rear ring gear 23, the relativerotational phases are going to substantially coincide between the frontring gear 22 and the rear ring gear 23 in the ring shaft 2. Accordingly,since it is possible to accurately inhibit the corresponding ring gearand planetary gear from being engaged in the state where they aredeviated greatly from the engaged state at the design time, it ispossible to achieve an improvement of a work conversion efficiency fromthe rotational motion to the rectilinear motion. In other words, sincethe conversion mechanism 1 can be assembled in the state where the slantangle TA of the planetary shaft main body 41 is smaller than thereference slant angle TAX, through the management of the rotationalphases of the front ring gear 22 and the rear ring gear 23, it ispossible to accurately secure the demand conversion efficiency HX as thework conversion efficiency HS of the conversion mechanism 1.

(23) In accordance with the manufacturing method of the presentembodiment, since it is possible to get prepared for obtaining the statewhere the relative rotational phases substantially coincide between thefront sun gear 32 and the rear sun gear 33 in the sun shaft 3, byattaching each of the sun shaft main body 31 and the rear sun gear 33 tothe assembling jig 100, that is, it is possible to get prepared for itwithout strictly managing the relative rotational phases of the sungears, it is possible to achieve an improvement of the workingefficiency for manufacturing the conversion mechanism 1.

(24) In accordance with the manufacturing method of the presentembodiment, since it is possible to get prepared for obtaining the statewhere the relative rotational phases substantially coincide between thefront ring gear 22 and the rear ring gear 23 in the ring shaft 2, byattaching each of the ring shaft main body 21 and the rear ring gear 23to the assembling jig 100, that is, it is possible to get prepared forit without strictly managing the relative rotational phases of the ringgears, it is possible to achieve an improvement of the workingefficiency for manufacturing the conversion mechanism 1.

(25) In accordance with the manufacturing method of the presentembodiment, since the ball 117A of each of the first sun gear ballplungers 117 is arranged between the teeth of the front sun gear 32 andcomes into contact with each of the adjacent tooth surfaces, it ispossible to accurately regulate the rotation of the front sun gear 32with respect to the jig main body 110. In this case, as a structuredisenabling the rotation of the front sun gear 32 with respect to thejig main body 110, for example, there can be considered a structure inwhich the jig main body 110 is provided with a gear having acorresponding shape to the front sun gear 32, and the sun gear 32 isengaged therewith, however, this case is capable of causing a statewhere the rotation of the front sun gear 32 is not sufficientlyregulated by a backlash of each of the gears. In this regard, accordingto the structure mentioned above of the present embodiment, since it ispossible to securely regulate the rotation with respect to the jig mainbody 110 caused by the backlash of the front sun gear 32, it is possibleto accurately coincide the relative rotational phases between the frontsun gear 32 and the rear sun gear 33.

(26) In accordance with the manufacturing method of the presentembodiment, since the ball 155A of each of the second sun gear ballplungers 155 is arranged between the teeth of the rear sun gear 33 andcomes into contact with each of the adjacent tooth surfaces, it ispossible to accurately regulate the rotation of the rear sun gear 33with respect to the first attached body 150. In this case, as astructure disenabling the rotation of the rear sun gear 33 with respectto the first attached body 150, for example, there can be considered astructure in which the first attached body 150 is provided with a gearhaving a corresponding shape to the rear sun gear 33, and the sun gear33 is engaged therewith, however, this case is capable of causing astate where the rotation of the rear sun gear 33 is not sufficientlyregulated by a backlash of each of the gears. In this regard, accordingto the structure mentioned above of the present embodiment, since it ispossible to securely regulate the rotation with respect to the firstattached body 150 caused by the backlash of the rear sun gear 33, it ispossible to accurately coincide the relative rotational phases betweenthe front sun gear 32 and the rear sun gear 33.

(27) In the front sun gear 32 or the rear sun gear 33, since there is acase that the shape of the tooth is varied per the gear, that is,positions of the root of a tooth and the tooth top are different per thegear, the dispersion of the rotational phase of the gear with respect tothe assembling jig 100 is generated in the front sun gear 32 or the rearsun gear 33 in the state where the rotation with respect to theassembling jig 100 is disenable, in the case that the rotation of thefront sun gear 32 or the rear sun gear 33 is regulated through thecontact of part of the assembling jig 100 with the root of tooth and thetooth top. In this regard, since the balls 117A and 155A of the ballplungers 117 and 155 are brought into contact with the tooth surface onthe pitch circle or near the pitch circle in the manufacturing methodaccording to the present embodiment, it is possible to accuratelyinhibit the dispersion from being generated in the rotational phase ofthe front sun gear 32 or the rear sun gear 33 with respect to theassembling jig 100 caused by the dispersion of the shape of the tooth.Further, since the dispersion of the shape of the tooth mentioned aboveis generated in the case that the front sun gear 32 or the rear sun gear33 are formed through a plastic working such as a threading or the like,the effect mentioned above is significantly achieved in this case. Onthe other hand, in the case that the front sun gear 32 or the rear sungear 33 is formed through the other machine work such as a cutting workor the like, a degree of the dispersion of the shape of the toothmentioned above becomes comparatively small. Accordingly, even in thecase of employing the structure disenabling the rotation of the frontsun gear 32 or the rear sun gear 33 with the assembling jig 100 bybringing part of the assembling jig 100 into contact with the root oftooth or the tooth tip, the dispersion of the rotational phase of thegear with respect to the assembling jig 100 is going to be suppressed.In this case, as the structure, for example, there can be listed up astructure in which the distal ends of the springs 117B and 155B areprovided with cylinders 117C and 155C having shapes shown in FIG. 70B inplace of the balls 117A and 155A in the embodiment shown in FIG. 70A. Inthis structure, it is possible to regulate the rotation of the front sungear 32 or the rear sun gear 33 through the contact of the cylinder 117Cwith each of the tooth tops of the adjacent teeth. Further, as the otherstructure, there can be listed up a structure in which the distal endsof the springs 117B and 155B are provided with cylinders 117D and 155Dhaving shapes shown in FIG. 70C in place of the balls 117A and 155A inthe embodiment. In this structure, it is possible to regulate therotation of the front sun gear 32 or the rear sun gear 33 through thecontact of the cylinder 117D with each of the roots of tooth of theadjacent teeth.

(28) In accordance with the manufacturing method of the presentembodiment, since the ball 116A of each of the first ring gear ballplungers 116 is arranged between the teeth of the front ring gear 22 soas to come into contact with each of the adjacent tooth surfaces, it ispossible to accurately regulate the rotation of the front ring gear 22with respect to the jig main body 110. In this case, as a structure ofdisenabling the rotation of the front ring gear 22 with respect to thejig main body 110, for example, there can be considered a structure inwhich the jig main body 110 is provided with a gear having acorresponding shape to the front ring gear 22, and the gear is engagedwith the ring gear 22, however, in this case, there may be generated astate where the rotation of the front ring gear 22 is not sufficientlyregulated by the backlash of each of the gears. In this regard,according to the structure of the present embodiment, since it ispossible to securely regulate the rotation with respect to the jig mainbody 110 caused by the backlash of the front ring gear 22, it ispossible to accurately bring the relative rotational phases into linebetween the front ring gear 22 and the rear ring gear 23.

(29) In accordance with the manufacturing method of the presentembodiment, since the ball 165A of each of the second ring gear ballplungers 165 is arranged between the teeth of the rear ring gear 23 soas to come into contact with each of the adjacent tooth surfaces, it ispossible to accurately regulate the rotation of the rear ring gear 23with respect to the second attached body 160. In this case, as astructure of disenabling the rotation of the rear ring gear 23 withrespect to the second attached body 160, for example, there can beconsidered a structure in which the second attached body 160 is providedwith a gear having a corresponding shape to the rear ring gear 23, andthe gear is engaged with the ring gear 23, however, in this case, theremay be generated a state where the rotation of the rear ring gear 23 isnot sufficiently regulated by the backlash of each of the gears. In thisregard, according to the structure of the present embodiment, since itis possible to securely regulate the rotation with respect to the secondattached body 160 caused by the backlash of the rear ring gear 23, it ispossible to accurately bring the relative rotational phases into linebetween the front ring gear 22 and the rear ring gear 23.

(30) In the front ring gear 22 or the rear ring gear 23, since there isa case that the shape of the tooth is varied per the gear, that is,positions of a root of tooth and a tooth top are different per the gear,the dispersion of the rotational phase of the gear with respect to theassembling jig 100 is going to be generated in the front ring gear 22 orthe rear ring gear 23 in the state where the rotation with respect tothe assembling jig 100 is disenable, in the case that the rotation ofthe front ring gear 22 or the rear ring gear 23 is regulated through thecontact of part of the assembling jig 100 with the root of tooth and thetooth top. In this regard, since the balls 116A and 165A of the ballplungers 116 and 165 are brought into contact with the tooth surface onthe pitch circle or near the pitch circle in the manufacturing methodaccording to the present embodiment, it is possible to accuratelyinhibit the dispersion from being generated in the rotational phase ofthe front ring gear 22 or the rear ring gear 23 with respect to theassembling jig 100 caused by the dispersion of the shape of the tooth.Further, since the dispersion of the shape of the tooth mentioned aboveis generated in the case that the front ring gear 22 or the rear ringgear 23 are formed through a plastic operation such as threading or thelike, the effect mentioned above is significantly achieved in this case.On the other hand, in the case that the front ring gear 22 or the rearring gear 23 is formed through the other machine work such as a cuttingwork or the like, a degree of the dispersion of the shape of the toothmentioned above becomes comparatively small. Accordingly, even in thecase of employing the structure disenabling the rotation of the frontring gear 22 or the rear ring gear 23 with the assembling jig 100 bybringing part of the assembling jig 100 into contact with the root oftooth or the tooth tip, the dispersion of the rotational phase of thegear with respect to the assembling jig 100 is going to be suppressed.In this case, as the structure, for example, there can be listed up astructure in which the distal ends of the springs 116B and 165B areprovided with cylinders 116C and 165C having shapes shown in FIG. 71B inplace of the balls 116A and 165A in the embodiment shown in FIG. 71A. Inthis structure, it is possible to regulate the rotation of the frontring gear 22 or the rear ring gear 23 through the contact of thecylinder 116C with each of the tooth tops of the adjacent teeth.Further, as the other structure, there can be listed up a structure inwhich the distal ends of the springs 116B and 165B are provided withcylinders 116D and 165D having shapes shown in FIG. 71C in place of theballs 116A and 165A in the embodiment. In this structure, it is possibleto regulate the rotation of the front ring gear 22 or the rear ring gear23 through the contact of the cylinder 116D with each of the roots oftooth of the adjacent teeth.

(31) In accordance with the manufacturing method of the presentembodiment, the rear planetary gear 43 is engaged with the rear sun gear33 of the sun shaft 3 in the sun shaft 3 in the state where the relativerotational phases substantially coincide between the front sun gear 32and the rear sun gear 33. Accordingly, it is possible to assemble thefourth assembly 94 in the state where the relative rotational phasessubstantially coincide, without strictly managing the relativerotational phases of the front planetary gear 42 and the rear planetarygear 43. Further, in conjunction with this, it is possible to accuratelyobtain the engagement state between the rear sun gear 33 and the rearplanetary gear 43 which is assumed at the design time, in the fourthassembly 94.

(32) In accordance with the manufacturing method of the presentembodiment, the rear planetary gear 43 is engaged with the rear ringgear 23 of the ring shaft 2 in the ring shaft 2 in the state where therelative rotational phases substantially coincide between the front ringgear 22 and the rear ring gear 23. Accordingly, it is possible toassemble the fourth assembly 94 in the state where the relativerotational phases substantially coincide, without strictly managing therelative rotational phases of the front planetary gear 42 and the rearplanetary gear 43. Further, in conjunction with this, it is possible toaccurately obtain the engagement state between the rear ring gear 23 andthe rear planetary gear 43 which is assumed at the design time, in thefourth assembly 94.

(33) In the case that the planetary shaft main body 41 is inclined to atleast one of the sun shaft main body 31 and the ring shaft main body 21,at a time of assembling the rear planetary gear 43 to each of theplanetary shaft main bodies 41 of the fourteenth assembly 9D, the rearplanetary gear 43 is assembled in the planetary shaft main body 41 in astate in which the rear planetary gear 43 is inclined to at least one ofthe sun shaft main body 31 and the ring shaft main body 21 after theexample of this. Accordingly, the engagement state between at least oneof the rear sun gear 33 and the rear ring gear 23 and the rear planetarygear 43 is deviated greatly from the engagement state at the designtime. In this regard, in the manufacturing method according to thepresent embodiment, since each of the rear planetary gears 43 isassembled in the state where each of the planetary shaft main bodies 41is in parallel to at least one of the sun shaft main body 31 and thering shaft main body 21 through the support jig 200, it is possible toaccurately inhibit the engagement state between at least one of the rearsun gear 33 and the rear ring gear 23 and each of the rear planetarygears 43 from being deviated greatly from the engagement state at thedesign time in the fourth assembly 94. In other words, since theconversion mechanism 1 is formed in the state where the slant angle TAof the planetary shaft main body 41 is smaller than the reference slantangle TAX, through the management of the attitude of the planetary shaftmain body 41 at a time of assembling the rear planetary gear 43 formedseparately from the planetary shaft main body 41, it is possible toaccurately secure the demand conversion efficiency HX as the workconversion efficiency HS of the conversion mechanism 1.

(34) In accordance with the manufacturing method of the presentembodiment, it is possible to further achieve the effects in proportionto the effects (1) to (6), (10) to (14), (16), (17) and (19) accordingto the first embodiment.

Modification of Embodiment

The fourth embodiment may be modified, for example, as described below.

In the embodiment mentioned above, the assembling jig 100 employs thestructure in which the ring shaft main body 21 is positioned in theaxial direction with respect to each of the planetary shaft main bodies41, by abutting the end surface of the ring shaft main body 21 againstthe first movable portion 120 at a time of assembling the thirteenthassembly 9C, however, the structure for obtaining the same function isnot limited to the structure exemplified in the embodiment mentionedabove, but can be appropriately changed. As the other structure, forexample, there can be listed up a structure in which the ring shaft mainbody 21 is positioned in the axial direction with respect to each of theplanetary shaft main bodies 41 by changing the structures of the firstmovable portion 120 and the second movable portion 130 as shown in FIG.72, and abutting the end surface of the ring shaft main body 21 againstthe second movable portion 130 at a time of assembling the thirteenthassembly 9C. In this case, FIG. 72A shows a state where the firstmovable portion 120 and the second movable portion 130 are respectivelyset their retracted positions, and FIG. 72B shows a state where thefirst movable portion 120 is set to an assembling position, and thesecond movable portion 130 is set to a support position.

In the embodiment mentioned above, the assembling jig 100 employs thestructure disenabling the rotation of the front sun gear 32 with respectto the jig main body 110 through the first sun gear ball plunger 117,however, the structure for obtaining the same function is not limited tothe structure exemplified by the embodiment, but can be appropriatelymodified. As the other structure, for example, there can be listed up astructure disenabling the rotation of the front sun gear 32 with respectto the jig main body 110 through a fitting between a convex portionformed in the jig main body 110 and a concave portion formed in thefront sun gear 32.

In the embodiment mentioned above, the assembling jig 100 employs thestructure disenabling the rotation of the rear sun gear 33 with respectto the first attached body 150 through the second sun gear ball plunger155, however, the structure for obtaining the same function is notlimited to the structure exemplified by the embodiment, but can beappropriately modified. As the other structure, for example, there canbe listed up a structure disenabling the rotation of the rear sun gear33 with respect to the first attached body 150 through a fitting betweena convex portion formed in the first attached body 150 and a concaveportion formed in the rear sun gear 33.

In the embodiment mentioned above, the assembling jig 100 employs thestructure disenabling the rotation of the front ring gear 22 withrespect to the jig main body 110 through the first ring gear ballplunger 116, however, the structure for obtaining the same function isnot limited to the structure exemplified by the embodiment, but can beappropriately modified. As the other structure, for example, there canbe listed up a structure disenabling the rotation of the front ring gear22 with respect to the jig main body 110 through a fitting between aconvex portion formed in the jig main body 110 and a concave portionformed in the front ring gear 22.

In the embodiment mentioned above, the assembling jig 100 employs thestructure disenabling the rotation of the rear ring gear 23 with respectto the second attached body 160 through the second ring gear ballplunger 165, however, the structure for obtaining the same function isnot limited to the structure exemplified by the embodiment, but can beappropriately modified. As the other structure, for example, there canbe listed up a structure disenabling the rotation of the rear ring gear23 with respect to the second attached body 160 through a fittingbetween a convex portion formed in the second attached body 160 and aconcave portion formed in the rear ring gear 23.

In the embodiment, the jig main body 110 of the assembling jig 100 canbe employed as the support jig 200. In other words, the fourteenthassembly 9D can be attached to the first main body 111 according to anaspect in proportion to the case that the jig main body 110 is dividedinto the first main body 111 and the second main body 112 beforeassembling the fourth assembly 94, and the fourteenth assembly 9D isattached to the support jig 200. In this case, it is possible toapproximate the structure of the first main body 111 more to thestructure of the support jig 200, by replacing the support portion 115by a structure having no ball plunger, before attaching the fourteenthassembly 9D to the first main body 111.

In the embodiment mentioned above, there is assumed the conversionmechanism 1 having the structure in which the front sun gear 32 isintegrally formed with the sun shaft main body 31, however, the frontsun gear 32 may be formed separately from the sun shaft main body 31together with the rear sun gear 33. In this case, it is possible toconstruct the sun shaft 3 in a state in which the relative rotationalphases substantially coincide between the front sun gear 32 and the rearsun gear 33 by assembling the rear sun gear 33 according to an aspect inproportion to the process XG (FIG. 57) mentioned above to the sun shaftmain body 31 after passing through the process of assembling the frontsun gear 32 to the sun shaft main body 31. In this case, the assemblingprocess of the front sun gear 32 corresponds to one of the structureobtained by embodying the first sun gear assembling process.

In the embodiment mentioned above, there is assumed the conversionmechanism 1 having the structure in which the front ring gear 22 isformed separately from the ring shaft main body 21, however, the frontring gear 22 may be formed integrally with the ring shaft main body 21.In this case, it is possible to construct the ring shaft 2 in a state inwhich the relative rotational phases substantially coincide between thefront ring gear 22 and the rear ring gear 23 by assembling the rear ringgear 23 according to an aspect in proportion to the process XL (FIG. 63)mentioned above to the thirteenth assembly 9C after passing through theprocess of assembling the thirteenth assembly 9C.

In the embodiment mentioned above, there is assumed the conversionmechanism 1 having the structure in which the rear planetary gear 43 isformed separately from the planetary shaft main body 41, however, thefront planetary gear 42 may be formed separately from the planetaryshaft main body 41. In this case, it is possible to respectively installeach of the rear planetary gears 43 and each of the front planetarygears 42 to the planetary shaft main body 41, after the assemblyincluding the sun shaft 3, the ring shaft 2 and each of the planetaryshaft main bodies 41 is assembled on the assembling jig 100.

In the embodiment mentioned above, there is assumed the conversionmechanism 1 having the structure in which the front sun gear 32 isformed integrally with the sun shaft main body 31, and the rear sun gear33 is formed separately from the sun shaft main body 31, however, thestructure of the sun shaft 3 may be changed as follows. In other words,the front sun gear 32 may be formed separately from the sun shaft mainbody 31, and the rear sun gear 33 may be formed integrally with the sunshaft main body 31. Further, the front sun gear 32 and the rear sun gear33 may be formed integrally with the sun shaft main body 31.

In the embodiment mentioned above, there is assumed the conversionmechanism 1 having the structure in which the front ring gear 22 and therear ring gear 23 are formed integrally with the ring shaft main body21, however, the structure of the ring shaft 2 may be changed asfollows. In other words, the front ring gear 22 may be formed separatelyfrom the ring shaft main body 21, and the rear ring gear 23 may beformed integrally with the ring shaft main body 21. Further, the frontring gear 22 and the rear ring gear 23 may be formed integrally with thering shaft main body 21.

In the embodiment mentioned above, there is assumed the conversionmechanism 1 having the structure in which the front planetary gear 42 isformed integrally with the planetary shaft main body 41, and the rearplanetary gear 43 is formed separately from the planetary shaft mainbody 41, however, the structure of the planetary shaft 4 may be changedas follows. In other words, the front planetary gear 42 may be formedseparately from the planetary shaft main body 41, and the rear planetarygear 43 may be formed integrally with the planetary shaft main body 41.Further, the front planetary gear 42 and the rear planetary gear 43 maybe formed integrally with the planetary shaft main body 41.

In the embodiment mentioned above, there is assumed the manufacturingmethod of constructing the conversion mechanism 1 by combining the sunshaft main body 31 and each of the planetary shaft main bodies 41 so asto construct the first assembly 91, and thereafter installing the otherconstituent elements to the assembly 91 alphabetically, however, theassembling procedure of the conversion mechanism 1 may be changed, forexample, as follows. In other words, the conversion mechanism 1 may beformed by first assembling an assembly formed by a combination of thering shaft main body 21 and each of the planetary shaft main bodies 41according to an aspect in proportion to the third embodiment, andthereafter installing the other constituent elements to the assemblyalphabetically. In this case, it is possible to achieve operations andeffects in proportion to the operations and effects of the fourthembodiment by applying a function for achieving the construction of theconversion mechanism 1 in accordance with the procedure mentioned aboveto the assembling jig 100 (particularly, the jig main body 110), inproportion to the structures of the third jig 66 and the fourth jig 67according to the third embodiment, and constructing the conversionmechanism 1 through the assembling jig 100 to which the change mentionedabove is applied.

In addition, the elements which can be changed in common with each ofthe embodiments are shown below.

In each of the embodiments mentioned above, the axial relative positionMS is set to the axial regular position XS by abutting the front distalend portion 41T against the first jig 61 or the third jig 66 or theassembling jig 100, however, the method for setting the axial relativeposition MS to the axial regular position XS is not limited to themethod exemplified by each of the embodiments. For example, the axialrelative position MS can be set to the axial regular position XS byforming an indicator for setting the axial relative position MS to theaxial regular position XS in each of the sun shaft main body 31 and theplanetary shaft main body 41, and setting the axially position of theplanetary shaft main body 41 in such a manner that a relative positionalrelation of these indicators comes to a previously set relation.

In the first to third embodiments, the fourth assembly 94 is assembledthrough the combination between the third assembly 93 and the gearassembly 99, however, the assembling procedure of the fourth assembly 94can be changed to any one of the following procedures (A) to (C).

(A) The fourth assembly 94 is formed by installing the rear ring gear23, the rear sun gear 33 and each of the rear planetary gears 43separately to the third assembly 93.

(B) The fourth assembly 94 is formed by installing the assembly formedby the combination between the rear ring gear 23 and each of the rearplanetary gears 43, and the rear sun gear 33 separately to the thirdassembly 93.

(C) The fourth assembly 94 is formed by installing the assembly formedby the combination between the rear sun gear 33 and each of the rearplanetary gears 43, and the rear ring gear 23 separately to the thirdassembly 93.

In the first to third embodiments, there is assumed the conversionmechanism 1 having the structure provided with the front ring gear 22and the rear ring gear 23, however, the manufacturing method accordingto the present invention can be applied to a conversion mechanism havinga structure in which at least one of the front ring gear 22 and the rearring gear 23 is omitted.

In the first to third embodiments, there is assumed the conversionmechanism 1 having the structure provided with the front sun gear 32 andthe rear sun gear 33, however, the manufacturing method according to thepresent invention can be applied to a conversion mechanism having astructure in which at least one of the front sun gear 32 and the rearsun gear 33 is omitted.

In the first to third embodiments, there is assumed the conversionmechanism 1 having the structure provided with the front ring gear 22,the front sun gear 32, the front planetary gear 42, the rear ring gear23, the rear sun gear 33 and the rear planetary gear 43, however, themanufacturing method according to the present invention can be appliedto a conversion mechanism having a structure in which at least one of agroup including the front ring gear 22, the front sun gear 32 and thefront planetary gear, and a group including the rear ring gear 23, therear sun gear and the rear planetary gear 43 is omitted.

In the first to third embodiments mentioned above, the manufacturingmethod according to the present invention is applied to the conversionmechanism having the structure in which the force is transmitted throughthe threaded section and the gear between the ring shaft 2, the sunshaft 3 and each of the planetary shafts 4, however, the manufacturingmethod according to the present invention can be applied to a conversionmechanism having a structure in which the force is transmitted only by athreaded section engagement between the ring shaft 2, the sun shaft 3and each of the planetary shafts 4.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for manufacturing a rotationalrectilinear motion conversion mechanism provided with an annular shaftthrough which an opening extends in an axial direction, a sun shaftarranged in the annular shaft, and a plurality of planetary shaftsarranged around the sun shaft, in which the annular shaft includes anannular shaft main body having an annular threaded section defined by aninternally threaded section, the sun shaft includes a sun shaft mainbody having a sun threaded section defined by an externally threadedsection, the planetary shafts each include a planetary shaft main bodyhaving a planetary threaded section defined by an externally threadedsection, the planetary threaded section is engaged with the annularthreaded section and the sun threaded section, and rotational motion ofeither one of the annular shaft and the sun shaft is converted intorectilinear motion of the other one of the annular shaft and the sunshaft along an axial direction by a planetary motion of the planetaryshaft, the method comprising the steps of: corresponding a relationshipof the planetary shaft main bodies relative to the annular shaft mainbody to a relationship in a regular assembled state, with the regularassembled state being defined by a state in which the annular threadedsection and the planetary threaded sections are engaged with each otherin a state in which the planetary shaft main bodies are arranged at evenintervals about a center line of the annular shaft main body; andassembling a basic assembly in a state in which the relationship of theplanetary shaft main bodies relative to the annular shaft main body isin correspondence with the relationship in the regular assembled state,the basic assembly being an assembly formed by a combination of theannular shaft main body and the planetary shaft main bodies in theregular assembled state; wherein the step of assembling a basic assemblyincludes a step of setting a planetary shaft relative phase, which is arotational phase of each of the planetary shaft main bodies relative toa rotational phase of the annular shaft main body, as a planetary shaftregular phase, which is the planetary shaft relative phase in theregular assembled state, by fastening each of the planetary shaft mainbodies to a threaded jig, in which an internally threaded section forengaging the planetary threaded sections is formed, before combining theplanetary shaft main body with the sun shaft main body.
 2. Themanufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the step ofassembling a basic assembly includes the step of setting acircumferential relative position, which is the position of each of theplanetary shaft main body in a circumferential direction relative to theannular shaft main body, as a circumferential regular position, which isthe circumferential relative position in the regular assembled state,before combining the planetary shaft main body with the annular shaftmain body.
 3. The manufacturing method according to claim 2, furthercomprising the steps of: forming an indicator in the annular shaft mainbody; forming the annular threaded section in the annular shaft mainbody based on an annular indicator, which is the indicator of theannular shaft main body; and setting the circumferential relativeposition as the circumferential regular position based on a rotationalphase of the annular indicator.
 4. The manufacturing method according toclaim 1, further comprising the steps of: forming an indicator in theplanetary shaft main body; forming the planetary threaded section in theplanetary shaft main body based on a planetary indicator, which is theindicator of the planetary shaft main body; and setting the planetaryshaft relative phase as the planetary shaft regular phase based on arotational phase of the annular shaft main body and a rotational phaseof the planetary indicator.
 5. The manufacturing method according toclaim 1, further comprising the steps of: setting the planetary shaftrelative phase as a planetary shaft reference phase by attaching each ofthe planetary shaft main bodies to the threaded jig; and setting aplanetary shaft relative phase of each of the planetary shaft mainbodies as the planetary shaft regular phase based on the rotationalphase of the annular shaft main body and the planetary shaft referencephase.
 6. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein thestep of assembling a basic assembly includes the step of setting anaxial relative position, which is the position of the planetary shaftmain body relative to the annular shaft main body in an axial direction,as an axial regular position, which is the axial relative position inthe regular assembled state, before combining the annular shaft mainbody with the planetary shaft main body.
 7. The manufacturing methodaccording to claim 6, wherein the step of assembling a basic assemblyincludes the steps of: preparing a basic jig for holding the annularshaft main body; and setting the axial relative position as the axialregular position by abutting a distal end portion of the planetary shaftmain body against the basic jig.
 8. The manufacturing method accordingto claim 1, wherein the step of assembling a basic assembly includes thestep of setting a radial relative position, which is the position of theplanetary shaft main body relative to the annular shaft main body in aradial direction, as a radial regular position, which is the radialrelative position in the regular assembled state, in a state in which acenter line of the annular shaft main body is parallel to a center lineof the planetary shaft main body.
 9. A method for manufacturing arotational rectilinear motion conversion mechanism provided with anannular shaft through which an opening extends in an axial direction, asun shaft arranged in the annular shaft, and a plurality of planetaryshafts arranged around the sun shaft, in which the annular shaftincludes an annular shaft main body having an annular threaded sectiondefined by an internally threaded section, the sun shaft includes a sunshaft main body having a sun threaded section defined by an externallythreaded section, the planetary shafts each include a planetary shaftmain body having a planetary threaded section defined by an externallythreaded section, the planetary threaded section is engaged with theannular threaded section and the sun threaded section, and rotationalmotion of either one of the annular shaft and the sun shaft is convertedinto rectilinear motion of the other one of the annular shaft and thesun shaft along an axial direction by a planetary motion of theplanetary shaft, the method comprising the steps of: forming anindicator in the annular shaft main body; forming the annular threadedsection in the annular shaft main body based on an annular indicator,which is the indicator of the annular shaft main body; assembling abasic assembly by combining the annular shaft main body with theplanetary shaft main bodies based on the annular indicator; forming anindicator in the sun shaft main body; forming the sun threaded sectionin the sun shaft main body based on a sun indicator, which is theindicator of the sun shaft main body; assembling an axial assembly bycombining the basic assembly with the sun shaft main body; and setting arotational phase of the sun threaded section as a sun threaded sectionreference phase based on a rotational phase of the annular indicator anda rotational phase of the sun indicator before assembling the axialassembly, in which when one threaded section formed by a portion of theplanetary threaded section engaged with the sun threaded section is setas a counter sun threaded section, the sun threaded section referencephase is defined as a rotational phase of the sun threaded sectionrelative to a rotational phase of the counter sun threaded section at atime when the counter sun threaded section begins to engage with the sunthreaded section.